Lepidium meyenii (Maca) is a plant that has nutritional benefits and increases the effectiveness of male reproduction. In this study, oxidative stress-exposed New Zealand rabbits were used to assess the ameliorative effects of daily Maca ingestion on testicular and epididymal tissues as well as the quality of fresh and frozen/thawed sperm. Twenty-four 40-week-old, healthy New Zealand white male rabbits were divided into four groups. The first group consumed tap water and served as a control. The second group was given 300 mg of Maca daily in capsules. The third group drank water containing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) at a concentration of 1%. Finally, the fourth group consumed H₂O₂ and Maca daily. The ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, vitality, motility and velocity of the H₂O₂ group were considerably lower than those of the other groups. Frozen/thawed spermatozoa showed more dramatic decreases in motility and velocity as a result of H₂O₂ consumption. The plasma concentrations of testosterone and total antioxidant capacity were also lowest in the H₂O₂-treated rabbits, while malondialdehyde levels were highest. Exposure to H₂O₂ increased collagen deposition between ST and epididymal ducts which induced testicular and epididymis fibrosis. In addition, the spermatogenic and epididymal epithelial cells exhibited signs of apoptosis, degeneration, vacuolation and a reduction in height. Maca intake attenuated most of the damaging effects of H₂O₂ ingestion-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, H₂O₂-treated rabbits had modest nuclear androgen receptor positivity, unlike those in the Maca group. The number of Leydig cells significantly increased with daily Maca intake. In conclusion, daily intake of Maca improved reproductive performance and mitigated the damaging effects of oxidative stress on testicular and epididymal functions in New Zealand rabbits.

In avian species, male fertility significantly impacts reproductive success. This study investigates the relationship between proctodeal gland size in male Japanese quails and sperm function, as well as female fertility duration. Six hundred adult Japanese quails were selected and housed in individual cages. Males (n = 300) were divided into 6 groups (50/group) based on the size of their proctodeal glands. Females (n = 300) were randomly assigned to corresponding groups. After acclimatization, sperm kinematics and the frequency and weight of foam discharge were evaluated. Males were paired with females for 24 h, and eggs were collected for 20 d postcopulation. Eggs were incubated to assess fertility duration. Fresh eggs (n = 20/group/d) were used to assess sperm penetration into the perivitelline membrane on the 2nd, 9th, and 16th d postinsemination. Plasma testosterone levels and the testes' relative weight were determined. The results indicated a significant increase (p < 0.0001) in sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, and nearly all sperm kinematic parameters such as VSL, VCL, VAP, LIN, WOB, and STR values as the size of the proctodeal gland increased. Quails copulated with males having a small and average proctodeal gland area (<400 mm²) laid fertile eggs for a shorter period and had significantly fewer sperm penetration holes than those mated with males having a larger proctodeal gland area (>400 mm²). The proctodeal gland size was positively correlated with testicular weight, plasma testosterone concentrations, and sperm kinetic variables. The results indicate that the size of the proctodeal gland in males can be used to predict sperm function and the duration of fertility in Japanese quail.

The objective of this study to explain the effect of potassium sorbate E 202
(0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3%) on some chemicals properties (Moisture, Acidity, Salt, Fat,
pH, Total nitrogen and Soluble nitrogen), microbiological properties (Total
Bacteria count, Total count of fungi and yeast and its effect on fungal growth and
mycotoxins production) of Ras cheese during five ripening periods (fresh, 15 days,
30 days, 60 days, 90 days) and sensory evaluation for cheese in (30 days, 60 days
and 90 days). The results show that moisture and pH decrease in all treatments
during ripening period’s progress, Acidity, T.N and S.N increases in all treatments
as the settlement period progresses, and the highest was in the second treatment
(Ras cheese treated with 0.2% potassium sorbate). Results showed a good role of
potassium sorbate in inhibiting fungal growth by increasing its concentration and
its role in inhibiting the ability of fungi to produce mycotoxins. Cheese treated
with potassium sorbate 0.3% had the best sensory acceptance during the ripening
period (60 days), with a rate of 96.5% that mean that it can use potassium sorbate
as a good antifungal factor to improve Ras cheese quality.

Ten samples of different types of cheese were collected from local markets
in Assiut city. The samples included (four soft cheese, three Ras cheese and three
Roquefort cheese). All samples were collected and kept under refrigeration
condition (5 – 7 ºC) Czapek's dextrose agar medium used for isolation and
identification the mycoflora of them. The results observed that nine species
belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria, Eurotium and
Rhizopus were recovered and identified. Aspergillus was the most predominant
and represented by four species namely A. flavus, A. niger, A. paraciticus, and A.
fumigatus. Euotium represented by two species namely E. repens and E. chevalieri.
Aspergillus niger Found in the four types of cheese. This resreach amied to
determine the chemical and microbiological quality of some types of cheese
including detection and identification of fungi

Smart nanohybrid technology with potential advantages to plants has recently been developed for the management of widespread pollution of heavy metals. Herein, we disclose a novel strategy to combat Pb stress in strawberry (Fragaria spp. cv. Fertona) plants through a newly designed nano-based system that conjugates indole acetic acid (IAA) with nanoparticles (NPs) of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) micronutrients, forming IAA-Mn₂O₃NPs (IAA-MnNPs) and IAA-Fe₂O₃NPs (IAA-FeNPs) nanocomposites and illuminate the underlying mechanisms involved. NPs were synthesized, yielding cubic Mn₂O₃ NPs (50 nm) and spheric Fe₂O₃ NPs (30-40 nm) evidenced by various characterization techniques. The incorporation of IAA hormone to the surface of NPs was examined using FT-IR spectroscopy. Pb harshly hindered strawberry growth and promoted stress oxidative markers, i.e., MDA and ROS byproducts …