bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tenofovir-tethered gold nanoparticles as a novel multifunctional long-acting anti-HIV therapy to overcome deficient drug delivery-: an in vivo proof of concept
Authors: Fotooh Abadi Leila , Kumar Pramod , Paknikar Kishore , Gajbhiye Virendra , Kulkarni Smita
Published: January 2023

Background

The adoption of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) substantially extends the life expectancy and quality of HIV-infected patients. Yet, eliminating the latent reservoirs of HIV to achieve a cure remains an unmet need. The advent of nanomedicine has revolutionized the treatment of HIV/AIDS. The present study explores a unique combination of Tenofovir (TNF) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a potential therapeutic approach to overcome several limitations of the current ART.

Results

TNF-tethered AuNPs were successfully synthesized. Cell viability, genotoxicity, haemolysis, and histopathological studies confirmed the complete safety of the preparation. Most importantly, its anti-HIV1 reverse transcriptase activity was ~ 15 folds higher than the native TNF. In addition, it exhibited potent anti-HIV1 protease activity, a much sought-after target in anti-HIV1 therapeutics. Finally, the in vivo biodistribution studies validated that the AuNPs could reach many tissues/organs, serving as a secure nest for HIV and overcoming the problem of deficient drug delivery to HIV reservoirs.

Conclusions

We show that the combination of TNF and AuNPs exhibits multifunctional activity, viz. anti-HIV1 and anti-HIV1 protease. These findings are being reported for the first time and highlight the prospects of developing AuNP-TNF as a novel next-generation platform to treat HIV/AIDS.

Graphical Abstract
Emerging role of microbiota derived outer membrane vesicles to preventive, therapeutic and diagnostic proposes
Authors: Jalalifar Saba , Morovati Khamsi Hassan , Hosseini-Fard Seyed Reza , Karampoor Sajad , Bajelan Bahar , Irajian Gholamreza , Mirzaei Rasoul
Published: January 2023

The role of gut microbiota and its products in human health and disease is profoundly investigated. The communication between gut microbiota and the host involves a complicated network of signaling pathways via biologically active molecules generated by intestinal microbiota. Some of these molecules could be assembled within nanoparticles known as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Recent studies propose that OMVs play a critical role in shaping immune responses, including homeostasis and acute inflammatory responses. Moreover, these OMVs have an immense capacity to be applied in medical research, such as OMV-based vaccines and drug delivery. This review presents a comprehensive overview of emerging knowledge about biogenesis, the role, and application of these bacterial-derived OMVs, including OMV-based vaccines, OMV adjuvants characteristics, OMV vehicles (in conjugated vaccines), cancer immunotherapy, and drug carriers and delivery systems. Moreover, we also highlight the significance of the potential role of these OMVs in diagnosis and therapy.
Accounting for cis-regulatory constraint prioritizes genes likely to affect species-specific traits
Authors: Starr Alexander L. , Gokhman David , Fraser Hunter B.
Published: January 2023

Measuring allele-specific expression in interspecies hybrids is a powerful way to detectcis-regulatory changes underlying adaptation. However, it remains difficult to identify genes most likely to explain species-specific traits. Here, we outline a simple strategy that leverages population-scale allele-specific RNA-seq data to identify genes that show constrainedcis-regulation within species yet show divergence between species. Applying this strategy to data from human-chimpanzee hybrid cortical organoids, we identify signatures of lineage-specific selection on genes related to saccharide metabolism, neurodegeneration, and primary cilia. We also highlightcis-regulatory divergence inCUX1andEDNRBthat may shape the trajectory of human brain development.
Pan-3D genome analysis reveals structural and functional differentiation of soybean genomes
Authors: Ni Lingbin , Liu Yucheng , Ma Xin , Liu Tengfei , Yang Xiaoyue , Wang Zhao , Liang Qianjin , Liu Shulin , Zhang Min , Wang Zheng , Shen Yanting , Tian Zhixi
Published: January 2023

Background

High-order chromatin structure plays important roles in gene regulation. However, the diversity of the three-dimensional (3D) genome across plant accessions are seldom reported.

Results

Here, we perform the pan-3D genome analysis using Hi-C sequencing data from 27 soybean accessions and comprehensively investigate the relationships between 3D genomic variations and structural variations (SVs) as well as gene expression. We find that intersection regions between A/B compartments largely contribute to compartment divergence. Topologically associating domain (TAD) boundaries in A compartments exhibit significantly higher density compared to those in B compartments. Pan-3D genome analysis shows that core TAD boundaries have the highest transcription start site (TSS) density and lowest GC content and repeat percentage. Further investigation shows that non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposons play important roles in maintaining TAD boundaries, while Gypsy elements and satellite repeats are associated with private TAD boundaries. Moreover, presence and absence variation (PAV) is found to be the major contributor to 3D genome variations. Nevertheless, approximately 55% of 3D genome variations are not associated with obvious genetic variations, and half of them affect the flanking gene expression. In addition, we find that the 3D genome may also undergo selection during soybean domestication.

Conclusion

Our study sheds light on the role of 3D genomes in plant genetic diversity and provides a valuable resource for studying gene regulation and genome evolution.
Adaptive evolutionary strategy coupled with an optimized biosynthesis process for the efficient production of pyrroloquinoline quinone from methanol
Authors: Ren Yang , Yang Xinwei , Ding Lingtao , Liu Dongfang , Tao Yong , Huang Jianzhong , Ke Chongrong
Published: January 2023

Background

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a cofactor for bacterial dehydrogenases, is associated with biological processes such as mitochondriogenesis, reproduction, growth, and aging. Due to the extremely high cost of chemical synthesis and low yield of microbial synthesis, the election of effective strains and the development of dynamic fermentation strategies for enhancing PQQ production are meaningful movements to meet the large-scale industrial requirements.

Results

A high-titer PQQ-producing mutant strain, Hyphomicrobium denitrificans FJNU-A26, was obtained by integrating ARTP (atmospheric and room‑temperature plasma) mutagenesis, adaptive laboratory evolution and high-throughput screening strategies. Afterward, the systematic optimization of the fermentation medium was conducted using a one-factor-at-a-time strategy and response surface methodology to increase the PQQ concentration from 1.02 to 1.37 g/L. The transcriptional analysis using qRT-PCR revealed that the expression of genes involved in PQQ biosynthesis were significantly upregulated when the ARTP-ALE-derived mutant was applied. Furthermore, a novel two-stage pH control strategy was introduced to address the inconsistent effects of the pH value on cell growth and PQQ production. These combined strategies led to a 148% increase in the PQQ concentration compared with that of the initial strain FJNU-6, reaching 1.52 g/L with a yield of 40.3 mg/g DCW after 144 h of fed-batch fermentation in a 5-L fermenter.

Conclusion

The characteristics above suggest that FJNU-A26 represents an effective candidate as an industrial PQQ producer, and the integrated strategies can be readily extended to other microorganisms for the large-scale production of PQQ.
Shear wave splitting of the 2018 Lombok earthquake aftershock area, Indonesia
Authors: Sasmi Annisa Trisnia , Nugraha Andri Dian , Muzli Muzli , Widiyantoro Sri , Syuhada Syuhada , Muttaqy Faiz , Zulfakriza Zulfakriza , Wei Shengji , Priyono Awali , Afif Haunan , Supendi Pepen , Husni Yayan Mi’rojul , Prabowo Billy S. , Sarjan Achmad Fajar Narotama
Published: January 2023

Lombok is one of the islands in the transitional zone from the Sunda Arc to the Banda Arc, Indonesia. In the mid-2018, the island of Lombok was shaken by a series of strong earthquakes, started with a moment magnitude (Mw) 6.4 earthquake on July 29, 2018 followed by earthquakes on August 5 (Mw 7.0), August 9 (Mw 5.9), and August 19 (Mw 6.3 and 6.9). Some researchers suggested that this phenomenon occurred due to a segmentation rupture in the northern part of Lombok Island. This study aims to obtain information on the distribution of the Lombok earthquake fault zone 2018 and also to understand the character of seismic anisotropy around the Lombok earthquake fault zone 2018 through Shear Wave Splitting (SWS) study. Splitting, or S-wave separation, occurs when the S wave passes through an anisotropic medium. The S wave is split into fast and slow S waves with almost orthogonal polarizations and has parameters such as delay time and polarization direction of the fast S wave. To determine the SWS parameters, we used a Lombok earthquake aftershock data set recorded from 4 August to 9 September 2018, using 16 seismographic stations. The steps taken to obtain the SWS parameters are event selection, windowing using short time Fourier transform, and rotation-correlation process. The results of the SWS analysis indicate that the fast polarization directions probably have a linkage with the local fault system and the fault related to the Lombok earthquake fault zone.
Habitat type and host grazing regimen influence the soil microbial diversity and communities within potential biting midge larval habitats
Authors: Neupane Saraswoti , Davis Travis , Nayduch Dana , McGregor Bethany L.
Published: January 2023

Background

Biting midges (Culicoidesspp.) are important vectors of diverse microbes such as viruses, protozoa, and nematodes that cause diseases in wild and domestic animals. However, little is known about the role of microbial communities in midge larval habitat utilization in the wild. In this study, we characterized microbial communities (bacterial, protistan, fungal and metazoan) in soils from disturbed (bison and cattle grazed) and undisturbed (non-grazed) pond and spring potential midge larval habitats. We evaluated the influence of habitat and grazing disturbance and their interaction on microbial communities, diversity, presence of midges, and soil properties.

Results

Bacterial, protistan, fungal and metazoan community compositions were significantly influenced by habitat and grazing type. Irrespective of habitat and grazing type, soil communities were dominated by phyla Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria (Bacteria); Apicomplexa, Cercozoa, Ciliophora, Ochrophyta (Protists); Chytridiomycota, Cryptomycota (Fungi) and Nematoda, Arthropoda (Metazoa). The relative abundance of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia (Bacteria); Apicomplexa, Lobosa (Protists); Ascomycota, Blastomycotina, Cryptomycota (Fungi); and Platyhelminthes (Metazoa) were significantly affected by grazing type. Of note, midge prevalence was higher in grazed sites (67–100%) than non-grazed (25%). Presence of midges in the soil was negatively correlated with bacterial, protistan, fungal and metazoan beta diversities and metazoan species richness but positively correlated with protistan and fungal species richness. Moreover, total carbon (TC), nitrogen (TN) and organic matter (OM) were negatively correlated with the presence of midges and relative abundances of unclassified Solirubrobacterales (Bacteria) and Chlamydomonadales (Protists) but positively with Proteobacteria and unclassified Burkholderiales (Bacteria).

Conclusions

Habitat and grazing type shaped the soil bacterial, protistan, fungal and metazoan communities, their compositions and diversities, as well as presence of midges. Soil properties (TN, TC, OM) also influenced soil microbial communities, diversities and the presence of midges. Prevalence of midges mainly in grazed sites indicates that midges prefer to breed and shelter in a habitat with abundant hosts, probably due to greater accessibility of food (blood meals). These results provide a first glimpse into the microbial communities, soil properties and prevalence of midges in suspected midge larval habitats at a protected natural prairie site.
Determinants of complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–24 months in urban slums of Pune, Maharashtra, in India
Authors: Jeyakumar Angeline , Babar Prasad , Menon Pramila , Nair Raji , Jungari Suresh , Medhekar Aishwarya , Prakshale Bhrunal , Shaikh Jasmine , Chacko Merlin , Nikam Mohini , More Purva , Nayel Shakila , Simelane Similo , Awale Sudeshna
Published: January 2023

Background

Inequalities in child feeding practices are evident in urban slums in developing nations. Our study identified the determinants of complementary feeding (CF) practices in the informal settings of Pune, India, a district close to the business capital of India.

Methods

Employing a cross-sectional study design, 1066 mother–children dyads were surveyed. Five indicators defined by the WHO were used to study complementary feeding practices. Determinants of complementary feeding practices were identified using multivariate analyses.

Results

Timely initiation of CF was reported by 42%. Minimum acceptable diet (MAD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and Diet Diversity Score > 4 were achieved by 14.9%, 76.5%, and 16.4%, respectively. Continued breastfeeding (CBF) at 2 years, and feeding processed foods were practiced by 94% and 50%, respectively. Among the maternal characteristics, a mother’s age > 30 years at pregnancy was less likely to achieve DD [AOR: 0.195 (CI 0.047–0.809)] and MAD [AOR: 0.231 (CI 0.056–0.960)]. Mothers with lower education were less likely to meet MMF [AOR: 0.302 (0.113–0.807)], MAD [AOR: 0.505 (CI 0.295–0.867)] and to introduce formula feeds (FF) [AOR: 0.417 (0.193- 0.899)]. Among obstetric characteristics, birth spacing < 33 months was less likely to achieve DD [AOR: 0.594 (CI 0.365–0.965)] and CBF [AOR: 0.562 (CI: 0.322–0.982)]. Receiving IYCF counseling only during postnatal care hindered the timely initiation of CF [AOR: 0.638 (0.415–0.981)]. Very Low Birth Weight increased the odds of achieving DD [AOR: 2.384 (1.007–5.644)] and MAD [AOR: 2.588(CI: 1.054–6.352)], while low birth weight increased the odds of children being introduced to processed foods [AOR: 1.370 (CI: 1.056–1.776)]. Concerning socio-economic status, being above the poverty line increased the odds of achieving MMF, [AOR: 1.851 (1.005–3.407)]. Other backward castes showed higher odds of achieving MAD [AOR: 2.191 (1.208–3.973)] and undisclosed caste in our study setting decreased the odds of FF [AOR: 0.339 (0.170–0.677)]. Bottle feeding interfered with MMF [AOR: 0.440 (0.317–0.611)] and CBF [AOR: 0.153 (0.105–0.224)].

Conclusion

Investing in maternal education and IYCF counseling during both ANC and PNC to provide nutritious complementary foods alongside addressing poverty should be a national priority to prevent the double burden of undernutrition at an early age in informal settings.
Effects of depth of neuromuscular block on surgical operating conditions in women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Coviello Antonio , Ianniello Marilena , Buonanno Pasquale , Di Falco Nausica , Iacovazzo Carmine , Maresca Alfredo , Vargas Maria , Marra Annachiara , Candice Agostino , Saccone Gabriele , Zullo Fulvio , Servillo Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

Background

In recent years, the relationship between the advantages and disadvantages of a deep neuromuscular block (DNMB), compared to a moderate block (MNMB) in laparoscopic surgery, has been increasingly studied.

Objective

Evaluate the effect of D-NMB compared to M-NMB in gynecological laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

This was a parallel-group, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, conducted at a single center in Italy between February 2020 and July 2020. American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) I–II risk class patients scheduled for elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery were randomized into a 1:1 ratio to either experimental or control group. The first one included DNMB with a rocuronium bolus at the starting dose of 1.2 mg/kg and a maintenance dose (0.3–0.6 mg/kg/h). The second one included MNMB with a rocuronium bolus at the starting dose of 0.6 mg/kg, and a maintenance dose in boluses (0.15–0.25 mg/kg). The primary outcome was the intraoperative surgical condition assessed every 15 min by the surgeon as a 5-point scale. The secondary outcome was the time needed to discharge patients from post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The tertiary outcome was the assessment of the intra-operative hemodynamic instability. A sample size of 50 patients was planned.

Results

One hundred five patients were assessed for eligibility, 55 were excluded. Fifty patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. The average score for the operative field was 4 for the D-NMB group and 3 for the M-NMB group (p value < 0.01). The length of stay in PACU was 13 min for the DNMB group and 22 min for the MNMB group (p value = 0.02).

Conclusions

Deep neuromuscular block improves intraoperative surgical condition during gynecological laparoscopic surgery.

Trial registration

clinicalTrials.gov NCT03441828
Proceedings of the 3rd Indian Cancer Genome Atlas Conference 2022: Biobanking to Omics: Collecting the Global Experience
Authors: Joshi Sneha , Mishra Rupa , Kulkarni Madhura , Kelkar Devaki A. , Harikrishnan Keerthi , Vaid Pooja , V Gomathi , John Jisha , Tamhane Siddhi , Deshpande Anand , Badve Sunil , Chintamani  , Mehrotra Ravi , Shashidhara L.S. , Kothari Ashutosh , Koppiker Chaitanyanand
Published: January 2023

On January 13th and 14th 2022, the Center for Translational Cancer Research organized the virtual third Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) Conference 2022 “Biobanking to Omics – Collecting the Global Experience.” This conference was planned as the steppingstone to help ICGA understand the road ahead and the probable roadblocks in its preparatory phase as ICGA begins to streamline the tumor tissue biobanking and multi‐omics efforts in the Indian subcontinent. The first day of the conference was dedicated to updates on the current status of ICGA, the future prospect, and the global understanding of multi‐omics efforts. The key highlights included two keynote speeches by Dr Wui Jin Koh, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Office, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and by Dr Christina Curtis, Associate Professor, Stanford University School of Medicine. The first day ended with an intriguing panel discussion on “ICGA updates and Future Steps.” The second day focused on biobanking practices across the globe and several aspects of biobank setup such as infrastructure, maintenance, quality control, patient consent, and lessons learned from established biobanking setups. The talk by Rosita Kammler, Head, Translational Research Coordination, International Breast Cancer Study Group, Switzerland, and Ruhul Amin, Director, Bangladesh Medical Research Council were the key highlights. The second day also ended with an engaging panel discussion on “Tumor tissue biobanking – national and international perspectives.” Overall, the conference was well received and had good attendance from national and international students, researchers, and faculty from academia as well as industry.
The kinesin-5 protein Cut7 moves bidirectionally on fission yeast spindles with activity that increases in anaphase
Authors: Gergely Zachary R. , Ansari Saad , Jones Michele H. , Zhou Bojun , Cash Cai , McIntosh Richard , Betterton Meredith D.
Published: January 2023

Kinesin-5 motors are essential to separate mitotic spindle poles and assemble a bipolar spindle in many organisms. These motors crosslink and slide apart antiparallel microtubules via microtubule plus-end-directed motility. However, kinesin-5 localization is enhanced away from antiparallel overlaps. Increasing evidence suggests this localization occurs due to bidirectional motility or trafficking. The purified fission-yeast kinesin-5 protein Cut7 moves bidirectionally, but bidirectionality has not been shown in cells, and the function of the minus-end-directed movement is unknown. Here, we characterized the motility of Cut7 on bipolar and monopolar spindles and observed movement toward both plus- and minus-ends of microtubules. Notably, the activity of the motor increased at anaphase B onset. Perturbations to microtubule dynamics only modestly changed Cut7 movement, whereas Cut7 mutation reduced movement. These results suggest that the directed motility of Cut7 contributes to the movement of the motor. Comparison of the Cut7 mutant and human Eg5 (also known as KIF11) localization suggest a new hypothesis for the function of minus-end-directed motility and spindle-pole localization of kinesin-5s.
Insight into the regulation of axonal transport from the study of KIF1A-associated neurological disorder
Authors: Chiba Kyoko , Kita Tomoki , Anazawa Yuzu , Niwa Shinsuke
Published: January 2023

Neuronal function depends on axonal transport by kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs). KIF1A is the molecular motor that transports synaptic vesicle precursors, synaptic vesicles, dense core vesicles and active zone precursors. KIF1A is regulated by an autoinhibitory mechanism; many studies, as well as the crystal structure of KIF1A paralogs, support a model whereby autoinhibited KIF1A is monomeric in solution, whereas activated KIF1A is dimeric on microtubules. KIF1A-associated neurological disorder (KAND) is a broad-spectrum neuropathy that is caused by mutations in KIF1A. More than 100 point mutations have been identified in KAND. In vitro assays show that most mutations are loss-of-function mutations that disrupt the motor activity of KIF1A, whereas some mutations disrupt its autoinhibition and abnormally hyperactivate KIF1A. Studies on disease model worms suggests that both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations cause KAND by affecting the axonal transport and localization of synaptic vesicles. In this Review, we discuss how the analysis of these mutations by molecular genetics, single-molecule assays and force measurements have helped to reveal the physiological significance of KIF1A function and regulation, and what physical parameters of KIF1A are fundamental to axonal transport.
The force response of muscles to activation and length perturbations depends on length history
Authors: Jeong Siwoo , Nishikawa Kiisa
Published: January 2023

Recent studies have demonstrated that muscle force is not determined solely by activation under dynamic conditions, and that length history has an important role in determining dynamic muscle force. Yet, the mechanisms for how muscle force is produced under dynamic conditions remain unclear. To explore this, we investigated the effects of muscle stiffness, activation and length perturbations on muscle force. First, submaximal isometric contraction was established for whole soleus muscles. Next, the muscles were actively shortened at three velocities. During active shortening, we measured muscle stiffness at optimal muscle length (L0) and the force response to time-varying activation and length perturbations. We found that muscle stiffness increased with activation but decreased as shortening velocity increased. The slope of the relationship between maximum force and activation amplitude differed significantly among shortening velocities. Also, the intercept and slope of the relationship between length perturbation amplitude and maximum force decreased with shortening velocity. As shortening velocities were related to muscle stiffness, the results suggest that length history determines muscle stiffness and the history-dependent muscle stiffness influences the contribution of activation and length perturbations to muscle force. A two-parameter viscoelastic model including a linear spring and a linear damper in parallel with measured stiffness predicted history-dependent muscle force with high accuracy. The results and simulations support the hypothesis that muscle force under dynamic conditions can be accurately predicted as the force response of a history-dependent viscoelastic material to length perturbations.
From quadrupedal to bipedal walking ‘on the fly’: the mechanics of dynamical mode transition in primates
Authors: Aerts Peter , Goyens Jana , Berillon Gilles , D'Août Kristiaan , Druelle François
Published: January 2023

We investigated how baboons transition from quadrupedal to bipedal walking without any significant interruption in their forward movement (i.e. transition ‘on the fly’). Building on basic mechanical principles (momentum only changes when external forces/moments act on the body), insights into possible strategies for such a dynamical mode transition are provided and applied first to the recorded planar kinematics of an example walking sequence (including several continuous quadrupedal, transition and subsequent bipedal steps). Body dynamics are calculated from the kinematics. The strategy used in this worked example boils down to: crouch the hind parts and sprint them underneath the rising body centre of mass. Forward accelerations are not in play. Key characteristics of this transition strategy were extracted: progression speed, hip height, step duration (frequency), foot positioning at touchdown with respect to the hip and the body centre of mass (BCoM), and congruity between the moments of the ground reaction force about the BCoM and the rate of change of the total angular moment. Statistical analyses across the full sample (15 transitions of 10 individuals) confirm this strategy is always used and is shared across individuals. Finally, the costs (in J kg−1 m−1) linked to on the fly transitions were estimated. The costs are approximately double those of both the preceding quadrupedal and subsequent bipedal walking. Given the short duration of the transition as such (<1 s), it is argued that the energetic costs to change walking posture on the fly are negligible when considered in the context of the locomotor repertoire.
RNAi in cell nuclei: potential for a new layer of biological regulation and a new strategy for therapeutic discovery
Authors: Johnson Krystal C. , Corey David R.
Published: January 2023

RNA interference is almost always associated with post-transcriptional silencing in the cytoplasm. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and critical RNAi protein factors like argonaute (AGO) and trinucleotide repeat binding containing 6 protein (TNRC6), however, are also found in cell nuclei, suggesting that nuclear miRNAs may be targets for gene regulation. Designed small duplex RNAs (dsRNAs) can modulate nuclear processes such as transcription and splicing, suggesting that they can also provide leads for therapeutic discovery. The goal of this Perspective is to provide the background on nuclear RNAi necessary to guide discussions on whether nuclear RNAi can play a role in therapeutic development programs.
Qui tacet consentire videtur si loqui debuisset ac potuisset v. quo tacet neque negat neque utique fatetur (he who remains silent is considered to consent, if he must and can speak v. he who remains silent neither rejects nor accepts-affirms)
Authors: Liakopoulos Dimitris I.
Published: January 2023

The present work aims to analyze silence/acquiescence as a legal fact that constitutes a passive conduct and produces legal effects. The paper is divided into three parts. The first analyzes silence as a legal act in international law, translates the phenomenon of acquiescence and elaborates the relative doctrine and jurisprudence as well as the limits that this term presents. We continue with the acquisitive prescription and the silence in the formation of the treaties. It compares acquiescence in dispute resolution as well as the establishment of jurisdiction of international courts and tribunals. The waiver applies to the area of international responsibility of a State and the decision-making mechanisms within the opting-out procedure. Silence as a legal fact in stricto sensu integrates a qualified conduct to which the production of legal effects compose an institution of international law. The production of their legal effects contemplate the existence of an involuntary silence such as l'estoppel by silence and the extinguishing prescription. The jurisprudence from the ICJ and from arbitral awards is extensive and helps to better know and understand the institution of acquiescence and the importance that the silence of States has in contemporary international law.
Ukraine crisis: Types of interventions, punishment of crimes and international law
Authors: Hill Sara
Published: January 2023

The present work tries to analyze the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Ukrainian crisis. What kind of intervention can be done to the crime of genocide based as a precautionary appeal and with the aim of avoiding litigation? The practice already from the first months has shown that the dispute did not stop with a question to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a body not competent to resolve the dispute. Already the speed of the ICJ shows perhaps for the first time the commitment of the international community to be close to peoples who need their help. The jurisprudential history of the ICJ will shed light on the positions held by the first steps of the ICJ in relation to the controversy.
Field observation on the use of PRID®Delta to induce estrus and ovulation in anestrous mares
Authors: Mebarki Mounir , Kaidi R , Basbaci M
Published: January 2023

To advance the time of the first estrus with ovulation, we administered intravaginally a progesterone-releasing devices PRID® Delta to 42 acyclic Arab-Barb mares for 11 days at different seasons: winter (n = 10), spring (n = 14), summer (n = 9) and autumn (n = 9). Twenty-seven of 39 mares that kept their coils responded to the PRID® Delta treatment with estrus and ovulation during the 42-day observation period, in winter (4/10, 40%) mares, in spring (9/13, 69%), in summer (7/7, 100%) and autumn (7/9, 78%) mares (P <0,05). At Day 2 of PRID® Delta treatment, mean initial of progesterone concentrations was significantly increased in all mares in winter (7.20 ± 0.49 ng mL-1), spring (7.30 ± 0.64 ng mL-1), summer (7.5 ± 0.58 ng mL-1 ) and autumn ( 7.60 ± 0.71 ng mL-1) (P <0,05). Total concentration of progesterone (area under curve (AUC)) during the treatment period revealed highest values in spring (67.95 ± 2.40 ng mL-1h-1) followed by autumn (65.20 ± 1.37 ng mL-1 h-1), winter (54.19 ± 7.00 ng mL-1 h-1) and summer 52.23 ± 3.32 ng mL-1 h-1; P < 0.05). In conclusion, administration of the intravaginal device releasing progesterone PRID® Delta was able to induce estrus and ovulation in mares at different times of the year. However, the efficacy of the treatment was not satisfactory in terms of efficacy compared to the season (low response rate in winter) and synchrony of intervals from removal of PRID® Delta to ovulation.
Effectiveness of Allzyme SSF and Polizyme® multimix feed additives on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization and Immunological Parameters of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fingerlings
Authors: Magouz Fawzy , Mahmoud Saeed , Moustafa Moustafa Moustafa Eman , ElMorsy Reham
Published: January 2023

This study was carried out to analyze the potential benefits of some feed additives ( Allzyme SSF® at levels, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 kg/ton) and (Polizyme® multimix FM at levels, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 kg/ton) in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diet on growth performance, feed efficiency, body chemical composition, blood parameters and economical efficiency under Egyptian conditions. Three hundreds and fifteen fingerlings of Nile Tilapia (O. niloticus) with average initial weight (8.5 ± 0.5 g), were randomly distributed into 7 treated groups allotted into 21 glass aquaria (three replicates of 15 fish / each treatment). Each aquarium measured 60× 35× 40 cm2. The fish were fed at 3% fish biomass along the experiment which went on for 12 weeks. The results revealed significant enhancements in growth and all feed utilization parameters in the prebiotic supplemented groups. The diets containing Allzyme SSF® (0.1%) and Polizyme®multimix (0.1%) showed the highest growth and protein utilization parameters values. Experimental fish carcass composition was generally influenced by the different dietary treatments. The hematological, biochemical and immunological parameters of the experimented groups indicated critical increase in Allzyme SSF® and Polizyme® multimix treated groups. The obtained outcomes cleared that Allzyme SSF® and Polizyme® multimix at levels of 0.1% could be used in Nile tilapia diets without negative impacts on growth, feed utilization, blood and immunological parameters. Subsequently, Allzyme SSF® and Polizyme® multimix could be added to commercial diets to improve tilapia fingerlings production and immune response.
Effects of L-carnitine and cryodevices on the vitrification and developmental competence of invitro fertilized buffalo oocytes
Authors: Elmetwally Mohammed A , Mostagir Amira M , Bazer Fuller W , Montaser Abdelmonem , Badr Magdy , Eldomany Wael , Eldesoky Ashraf , Elghareeb Mona M , Jaimes Daniela , Lenis Yaser Y , Zaabel Samy M
Published: January 2023

In the current, study the effect of the addition of L-carnitine (LC) in in vitro maturation (IVM) medium for buffalo oocytes and different cryo-devices on developmental competence. They were matured in IVM medium supplemented with 0.0, 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg/mL of LC and vitrified by using either straw (ST), open pulled-straw (OPS), solid surface vitrification (SSV). The effects of LC during invitro fertilization and invitro culture on the developmental potential were examined. ST showed a higher recovery rate when using 0.6 mg/ml; viability rate (VR) when using 0.3mg/ml and lower zona pellucida (ZP) and cytoplasmic abnormalities when using 1.2 mg/ml LC (P<0.05). OPS showed a higher recovery and viability rates when using 0.3 mg (P<0.05). SSD showed a higher recovery and VR when using 0.6 mg/ml LC (P<0.05). Maturation and fertilization rates were increased when using 0.3 mg LC and OPS (P<0.05). Cleavage was increased in 0.3 (OPS) and 0.6 mg LC (SSD). The blastocyst rate was increased in 0.3 (OPS) and 0.6 mg/ml (SSD) (P< 0.05). In conclusion, 0.3 mg/ml LC and OPS gives a higher recovery and viability rates but 0.6 mg/ml LC and of both SSD and ST gives a higher recovery and viability rates.
Evaluation of total sialic acid, paraoxonase activity and malondialdehyde in cows with subclinical paratuberculosis
Authors: Akyuz E , Kükürt A , Makav M , Gökçe E , Eroğlu HA , Deveci HA , Gökce G , Karapehlivan M
Published: January 2023

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate total sialic acid (TSA), paraoxonase activity (PON1), malondialdehyde (MDA) and some serum biochemical parameters in cows with subclinical paratuberculosis. Paratuberculosis (PT) test was performed on 500 cows aged 2-6 years by ELISA method. Twenty-four cows diagnosed with paratuberculosis constituted the PT group and 12 healthy cows constituted the control group. According to the results, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and UREA levels were found to be statistically higher (p <0.05) in the group with paratuberculosis compared to the control group. Iron (Fe) levels were found to be lower than the control group (p> 0.05). Compared to the control group, there was a decrease in PON1 activity and a significant increase in TSA and MDA levels in the PT group (p <0.05). In conclusion, in subclinical paratuberculosis infection, the long incubation period and the absence of clinical findings until advanced stages constitute a handicap. However, our findings show that the determination of lipid peroxidation (MDA), PON1 activity and TSA concentration caused by the inflammatory and oxidative stress state caused by the infection can be used as new biomarkers for this infection.
Abrupt and gradual drying-off procedure and intramammary dry treatment: Impact on udder health status of Chios breed dairy sheep
Authors: Sougaris Savvas , Brozos CN , Petridou E , Papadopoulos Th. , Kiossis E
Published: January 2023

In order to evaluate the impact of drying-off procedure on udder health status and the effect of intramammary dry treatment on prevention of new intramammary infections and improving cure rate of mammary abnormalities, a randomized single blinded controlled trial was performed in which 80 Chios breed dairy ewes were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Ewes of Group A (n=40) dried off gradually during a 15-day period, whereas in ewes of Group B (n=40), udder drying-off took place abruptly. Half of the ewes of each group received intramammary infusion (1 syringe/teat) of benzathine cloxacilline (IDT subgroup, n=20). The rest of the ewes of each group received no treatment at all (control subgroup, n=20). Representative samples of teat duct material and milk were aseptically collected from each mammary half for cytological and microbiological examination. Samples were collected using both conventional and aseptic techniques at the time of enrollment until the final milking before dry off (7 to 14 days before the expected dry period), at dry period (approximately 65 days) and continued at lambing until the end of the ongoing milking period. 61.8% of bacterial isolates obtained from teat duct and milk were identified as coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). No significant differences were noticed between the two groups in the frequency of mammary gland infection peri-partum (p=0.466), in the risk of new mammary infections during dry period (p=0.750) and in the cure rate of any subsequent mammary infection (p=0.131). Drying-off procedure had no significant impact on somatic cell counts (p=0.760) or milk leucocyte subpopulations (p>0.05) but had a significant effect on milk production of the next lactation period (p<0.001). Ewes treated with antibiotic agent presented a significantly higher cure rate of subsequent mammary infections (p=0.036) and a significantly lower risk of new mammary infections (p=0.039) during dry period, compared to the control group. No statistically significant differences were noticed concerning the impact of treatment on cytological profiles (p>0.5), somatic cell counts (p=0.581) and milk production (p=0.705). The results strengthen the hypothesis that drying off procedure does not affect cure rate neither reduce the risk of new infections during dry period and has no effect on development of mastitis around dry period whereas the use of intramammary dry treatment provides a better bacteriological cure rate of the mammary gland and decreases the possibility of new intramammary infections during dry period.
Clinical management of cutaneous bovine papillomatosis in a cow calf: a case report
Authors: Khan S , Akbar H , Rashid MI , Younas M , Farooqi SH , Rehman FUr , Badshah A , Azeem S
Published: January 2023

A Sahiwal breed heifer calf of ~ 5-month age was presented with numerous warts of varying sizes principally on head, face and neck. The history and clinical examination were suggestive of bovine cutaneous papillomatosis. The animal was treated medically with an alternative medicine: Thuja occidentalis 30X. The warts regressed completely after two months of treatment with Thuja occidentalis, suggesting this medicine can be used to treat warts in bovines successfully.
Effect of herbal extract mixture on growth performance and antioxidant parameters in broilers
Authors: Ölmez Mükremin , Şahin Tarkan , Karadağoğlu Özlem , Yörük Mehmet Akif , Karadağ Sari Ebru , Yediel Aras Şükran , Öğün Metin , Makav Mustafa
Published: January 2023

This study was conducted to determine the effects on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens, which were fed an herbal extract mixture (HEM), including Honokiol-Magnolol and Sanguinarine as natural feed additives. A total of 300 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were used in this study and randomly divided into four groups with five replicates of 15 broiler chicks each. For the experimental groups, HEM was supplemented in their diet at the levels of 0.00% (C), 1.00% (HEM1), 1.50% (HEM2) and 2.00% (HEM3) respectively. At the end of the experiment, it was concluded that HEM influenced final body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, slaughter weight, carcass weight and carcass yield (P<0.05). Also, HEM decreased malondialdehyde level (P<0.05) and increased glutathione of the breast and liver tissues (P<0.05). HEM showed strong cytoplasmic manganese superoxide dismutase immunoreactivity in duodenal crypts. It is concluded that HEM supplementation to broiler diets may improve the growth performance and antioxidant parameters. Thus, HEM may use natural feed additives to improve broiler health and performance.
Prevalence and biofilm-formation ability of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from livestock, carcasses, the environment, and workers of three abattoirs in Greece
Authors: Komodromos Dimitrios , Kotzamanidis Charalambos , Giantzi Virginia , Angelidis Apostolos S. , Zdragas Antonios , Sergelidis Daniel
Published: January 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the leading causes of foodborne intoxications. The pathogen’s biofilm-formation ability facilitates its spread and enhances its tolerance against hostile environments. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate the prevalence of S. aureus in the received livestock, the corresponding carcasses, the employees and the surfaces of infrastructures and tools in three abattoirs of Northern Greece and to determine the biofilm-forming potential of the recovered isolates. The isolation of presumptive S. aureus isolates from different types of samples was performed using classic microbiological methods and molecular identification to the species level was done via detection of the coa and nuc genes. Biofilm-formation ability was assessed using a semi-quantitative, microtiter plate method. Fifty-five out of 547 samples examined tested positive for the presence of S. aureus. The highest S. aureus isolation frequency was observed from human nasal cavities (17.2%) and tool surfaces (16.1%) followed by pig carcasses (15.5%), small ruminant nasal cavities (15.0%), cattle nasal cavities (7.5%), pig nasal cavities (6.9%), infrastructure surfaces (6.8%), cattle carcasses (5.7%) and small ruminant carcasses (5.0%). The isolation frequency of S. aureus varied considerably (p < 0.05) among the sampled establishments, ranging from 4.2% to 31.7%. All S. aureus isolates were found capable of producing biofilms: 43.6% possessed strong biofilm-formation ability, 54.5% moderate and only one isolate (1.8%) showed weak biofilm-formation ability. The contamination of equipment and tools by biofilm-producing S. aureus emphasizes the need for the application of strict hygiene practices during meat-processing. In addition, the application of an effective and regularly verified sanitation program is necessary to prevent biofilm formation and minimize the risk of carcass contamination.
Serological diagnostic potential of the 38-72 kDa somatic antigen of Gastrothylax crumenifer in buffaloes using the Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Ali Rubab , Afshan Kiran , Fuentes Màrius V. , Firasat S
Published: January 2023

Paramphistomosis, caused by digenetic trematodes of the superfamily Paramphistomoidea, causes heavy economic losses in terms of reduced fertility, milk and meat production in the livestock industry. In the present study, somatic and excretory secretory antigens isolated from 500 live Gastrothylax crumenifer were assessed for their diagnostic potential by using an antibody detection enzyme immunoassay. Prior to the enzyme immunoassay, the somatic and excretory/secretory (ES) antigens of G. crumenifer were subjected to SDS-PAGE and Western blot (WB) for the detection of immunogenic proteins. Indirect ELISA analysis was performed on sera from buffaloes naturally infected with G. crumenifer, with control sera of buffaloes infected with Gigantocotyle explanatum, Fasciola spp., Cotylophoron /Paramphistomum spp. The SDS-PAGE results of the somatic products of G. crumenifer identified proteins were between 10-123 kDa, showing a maximum abundance of 10, 15, 25-28, 36, 38-72, 95-123 kDa proteins. The most abundant proteins recorded in ES product were ≥95, 72, 55 and 40 kDa. The antigenic analysis of somatic proteins using WB revealed reactive polypeptides of a size between 55-70 kDa, while metabolic extracts did not show reactivity with naturally infected buffalo sera. The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA test for 38-72 kDa somatic antigens were 85.71% and 89.74%, respectively. The cross-reactivity with other trematode sera was 16-20%. Antibodies were tested against the 38-72 kDa somatic antigens, and 19.69% (39/198) of buffaloes were found positive, while 12.1% (24/198) presented infection in the fecal/postmortem examination. The study confirmed that ELISA established for the 38-72 kDa somatic antigens of G. crumenifer had diagnostic potential against paramphistome infections.
Epizootiology and associated risk factors of tick fauna infecting domestic livestock population in district Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Maqbool Mahvish , Sajid Muhammad Sohail , Iqbal Zafar , Saqib Muhammad
Published: January 2023

The current study was aimed to corelates the association of different risk factors with tick infestation rate in livestock (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat) population of district Faisalabad. Ticks were collected through the standard collection protocols, were identified under stereomicroscope. Overall, 54%, 50%, 50% and 49 % tick infestation rate reported from livestock species (cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat) and higher prevalence was observed in tehsil Tandlianwala (72%, 65%, 70% and 57%). Among intrinsic factors (age and sex) higher prevalence was reported in young (7-12 months) and female animals. Significant association (P<0.05) was observed with season and tick prevalence and higher prevalence was reported in summer season. Statistically significant association (P<0.05) was observed among extrinsic factors including feeding system, (higher infestation was reported in grazing animals), housing system (higher rate was recorded in free-housed animals), type of farming (higher rate in free-ranged animals), farm structure (higher infestation rate among animals kept on uncemented floor) and hygienic measures (higher prevalence in poorly hygiene animals). Most prevalent tick species were H. anatolicum, (85%), H. marginatum (1.5%), H. turncatum (1.02%) and R. microplus (12%). These findings will be helpful in devising services for tick infestation control in selected area and other regions having similar husbandry system.