Goat skin is considered a multifunctional organ with regulatory, sensory, and protective roles. Despite the goat’s economic importance and use as a model in biomedical research, it remains not given the suitable position in academic publications. This study aimed to investigate the expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in the lips and ear pinnae of goats, revealing its considerable location among several sensory and structural components using immunohistochemical techniques. Also, we identified a new structure in different locations of the skin of the goat, referred to as the goat corpuscle. In the lip, NSE was strongly expressed in Ruffini corpuscles, goat corpuscles located in the skin and mucosa, and Merkel cells present in the stratum basale of the epidermis and hair follicles. NSE expression was also found in large nerves among skeletal muscle fibers, near sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and in the superficial layers of the dermis, where free nerve endings were directed. Vascular elements, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels, exhibited NSE positivity in their endothelial and smooth muscle layers. Additionally, NSE was present in myoepithelial cells surrounding sweat and salivary gland secretory end pieces, fibroblasts, and telocytes in the connective tissue. In the ear, NSE was detected in Ruffini corpuscles, goat corpuscles, and a range of nerve fibers around cartilage and blood vessels. NSE expression was also observed in fibroblasts, chondroblasts, and telocytes in the cartilage and dermal tissues. This detailed mapping of NSE distribution provides new insights into its role in sensory and structural components, revealing its extensive involvement in the tissues.

This study evaluated the effects of a herbal mixture (HM) composed of black seeds, dill, sage, and coriander on pigeon squabs and their parents. Using a randomized design, 54 squabs were divided into three groups. All groups were fed a basal diet, and HM was added to groups 2 and 3 at 1% and 2%, respectively. To receive crop milk, squabs were caged with their parents. Squab performance and the self-maintenance behaviors (sleeping and preening) of their parents were positively affected by HM supplementation (P = 0.001). Blood metabolites, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), were significantly decreased (P = 0.001). Antioxidation biomarkers glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were positively stimulated. The meat’s chemical composition, including fat, protein, amino acids, and moisture, was influenced by HM (P = 0.004). Histomorphometrical investigation of the bursa and spleen showed the significant effects of HM on the follicle area, medulla, white pulp area, and their S100-positive cells. Overall, adding HM, especially at a 1% concentration, was more cost-effective and improved pigeon parents’ behavior, squabs’ performance, immunity, antioxidant status, meat quality, and bursal and spleen histology and immunohistochemistry.

This study aimed to examine how adding two levels of probiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum and

Lactobacillus acidophilus, to the growing V-line rabbits’ basal diet affects growth performance, carcass

parameters, hematology, serum biochemistry, digestibility, cecal microbiota, economic evaluation

of the diet, and histological and immunohistochemical features of the intestine, kidneys, liver, and

heart. Sixty healthy five-week-old male rabbits were allocated at random to three groups, each

with four replicates of five rabbits. The standard basal diet was provided to the three groups, with

probiotics added to the second and third groups at 0.25 g/kg and 0.50 g/kg, respectively, for the 56-day

experimental period. Probiotic supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth parameters

and the weights of internal organs, while reducing the percentage of abdominal fat. White blood cell

counts and other hematological parameters increased significantly (P < 0.05). Rabbits supplemented

with 0.25 and 0.50 g/kg of probiotics showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum total protein,

globulin, albumin, T3, T4, IgM, IgG, IgA and levels, and significantly (P < 0.05) lower triglycerides,

ALT, and AST levels compared with the control one. Probiotic supplementation increased (P < 0.05)

the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, crude protein, and

ether extract. It positively influenced beneficial cecal microbiota. Histological data showed increased

villus length, crypt depth (CD), and epithelial thickness in the intestines. The kidney’s renal corpuscle

and glomeruli diameter, along with CMFs diameter, increased. Liver PAS staining showed a dosedependent increase. TNF-α expression rose significantly in both the small and large intestines, while

synaptophysin increased in the large intestine (LI). Therefore, adding probiotics to the rabbit diet could

improve performance, hematology, serum biochemistry, nutrient digestibility, cecal microbiota, and

the economic evaluation of the diet, as well as the histological features of the intestine, kidneys, liver,

and heart. 
 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common pathogen of a wide range of nosocomial infections in humans, as well as foodborne illnesses. The current study focuses on the molecular genotyping of P. aeruginosa recovered from human, water, and food specimens. A total of 350 samples, fifty samples each from human, tap water, fish swamp, chicken meat, minced meat, raw milk, and hospital surface from the Menoufiya governorate, Egypt. P. aeruginosa was detected in 14.28%, including human (26%), tap water (18%), fish swamp (18%), chicken meat (12%), minced meat (10%), raw milk (16%), and hospital surface (0%). The results of testing of 50 P. aeruginosa isolates against sixteen antibiotics revealed a relatively high antibiotic resistance for Amoxicillin (100%), Erythromycin (98%), Cephradine (90%), Colistin (82%), Oxytetracyclin, (79%), Chloramphenicol (70%), Doxycycline (70%), and Kanamycin (62%) and high susceptibility for Imipenem (96%), Apramycin (94%), Amikacin (90%), Norfloxacin (78%), Sulphamethoxazol (86%), Enrofloxacin (64%), and Ofloxacin (60%). Furthermore, PCR was successfully amplified for the toxA, exoS, and oprL virulence genes at 396, 118, and 504 bp, respectively, as well as amplifying the ermB, pelA, blaTEM, and tetA resistance genes at 639, 786, 516, and 570 bp, respectively. The dendrogram investigation by ERIC-PCR of 10 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates revealed two main clusters and 10 different ERIC-PCR patterns. The presence of P. aeruginosa isolates in food may represent a potential public health concern, with the need for further epidemiological studies, as well as whole-genome sequencing and correlations of P. aeruginosa in water, food samples, and human infections.

Spermatogenesis in teleosts is essential for reproductive function; however, it varies considerably among species. The testis of the viviparous molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) was examined using both ultrastructural and immunohistochemical methods. The testis displays a restricted lobular type, where germ cells develop synchronously within Sertoli cell-forming cysts. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed all stages of spermatogenesis. Mature sperm are at the apex of the cysts and migrate toward the sperm ducts. Sperm duct epithelium is lined by cuboidal cells joined by tight junctions, with apical cilia and desmosomal complexes contributing to transport and structural integrity. The sperm ducts showed strong Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive expression among negative stained spermatocysts. Centrally, a cavity serves as a storage area for spermatozoa that are organized into unencapsulated bundles known as spermatozeugmata. Sertoli cells exhibited extended cytoplasmic processes that supported developing germ cells, whereas Leydig cells occupied the interstitial tissue, contributing to hormonal regulation. Immunohistochemical labeling demonstrated strong vimentin expression in Sertoli cells and telocytes, indicating their mesenchymal origin and structural role. Calretinin expression was confined to Leydig cells and certain ductal epithelial cells, supporting its use as a marker for steroidogenic and secretory functions. These findings provide new insights into the testicular specialization of P. sphenops, highlighting key somatic-germ cell interactions, ductal adaptations, and marker expression patterns that underlie male reproductive success in viviparous fish.

Goldfish (Carassius auratus) gills function as both respiratory and immune-regulatory organs, integrating neuroendocrine and immune responses to environmental stimuli. This study explores the spatial organization and interaction of neuroendocrine cells (NECs) and immune cells within goldfish gills using confocal immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy. NECs, identified near blood capillaries and nerve fibers, highlight their role in environmental sensing and physiological regulation. These cells express serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter critical for neuroimmune communication. Two distinct macrophage subsets were observed: iNOS-positive macrophages, concentrated in the basal epithelium, suggest a pro-inflammatory role, whereas 5-HT-positive macrophages, dispersed in the subepithelium, likely contribute to immune modulation. The co-localization of MHC-II and CD68 in macrophages further supports an active antigen-processing system in the gills. Ultrastructural analysis revealed diverse immune cells, including rodlet cells, telocytes, and lymphocytes, within the gill epithelium. Telocytes formed intricate networks with immune cells, highlighting their role in immune coordination and tissue homeostasis. These findings provide new insights into the neuroimmune interactions in fish gills, contributing to a broader understanding of aquatic immune systems and environmental adaptability.

The spleen plays a critical role in the immune and hematopoietic systems of teleost fish, functioning as a major secondary lymphoid organ. This study provides a detailed morphological and ultrastructural assessment of the spleen in goldfish (Carassius auratus), focusing on its immunological organization and cellular diversity. Through light and transmission electron microscopy, we examined red and white pulps, identifying key features such as melanomacrophage centers (MMCs), ellipsoids, and various immune cell types. The red pulp was rich in sinusoidal capillaries and splenic cords, whereas the white pulp housed lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, and telocytes, all contributing to immune regulation. Notably, ellipsoids were surrounded by reticular and macrophage sheaths, forming a filtration barrier against pathogens. Ultrastructural analysis revealed diverse immune cells with active morphological traits, including macrophages with pseudopodia and pigment granules, dendritic cells with dendrite-like extensions, and epithelial reticular cells involved in forming the blood–spleen barrier. These findings highlight the complex immunological microarchitecture of the goldfish spleen and its functional relevance in teleost immune responses.

Spermatogenesis in teleosts is essential for reproductive function; however, it varies considerably among species. The testis of the viviparous molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) was examined using both ultrastructural and immunohistochemical methods. The testis displays a restricted lobular type, where germ cells develop synchronously within Sertoli cell-forming cysts. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed all stages of spermatogenesis. Mature sperm are at the apex of the cysts and migrate toward the sperm ducts. Sperm duct epithelium is lined by cuboidal cells joined by tight junctions, with apical cilia and desmosomal complexes contributing to transport and structural integrity. The sperm ducts showed strong Periodic Acid–Schiff (PAS)-positive expression among negative stained spermatocysts. Centrally, a cavity serves as a storage area for spermatozoa that are organized into unencapsulated bundles known as spermatozeugmata. Sertoli cells exhibited extended cytoplasmic processes that supported developing germ cells, whereas Leydig cells occupied the interstitial tissue, contributing to hormonal regulation. Immunohistochemical labeling demonstrated strong vimentin expression in Sertoli cells and telocytes, indicating their mesenchymal origin and structural role. Calretinin expression was confined to Leydig cells and certain ductal epithelial cells, supporting its use as a marker for steroidogenic and secretory functions. These findings provide new insights into the testicular specialization of P. sphenops, highlighting key somatic–germ cell interactions, ductal adaptations, and marker expression patterns that underlie male reproductive success in viviparous fish.

ROBIOTIC consumption is recognized as being generally safe and correlates with multiple and
valuable health benefits. Food exposure to mycotoxins is a major concern for public health
officials and regulatory authorities globally. Aflatoxins (AFLs) and ochratoxin A (OTA)
contamination of meat products can happen anywhere along the production process, from farm to
fork. The purpose of this study is to determine the concentration of AFLs and OTA residues in some
beef products and evaluate the effects of different probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus,
Bifidobacterium lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on AFLs and OTA in semi-dry fermented beef
sausage that has been contaminated in an experiment stored for seven days. The study found that the
AFLs were present in 86.7%, 60%, 80%, 70%, 76.7%, and 70% of the meat products under
investigation, while the OTA residues were present in 83.3%, 56.7%, 80%, 73.3%, 63.3%, and 76.7%
of the burger, minced beef, luncheon, basterma, kofta, and sausage, respectively. Burger (13.89 ±
2.62 ppb) and sausage (12.67 ± 2.37 ppb) had the greatest AFLs residues (ppb), followed by kofta
(11.38 ± 2.15 ppb) and luncheon (11.26 ± 2.72 ppb). Basterma (3.31 ± 1.85 ppb) and minced meat
(5.47 ± 1.55 ppb) had the lowest values. Luncheon had the greatest OTA residues (2.76 ± 0.43 ppb),
followed by burger (2.64 ± 0.14 ppb), sausage (2.32 ± 0.57 ppb), and kofta (1.78 ± 0.74 ppb), while
basterma (1.23 ± 0.65 ppb) and minced beef (1.56 ± 0.12 ppb) had the lowest concentrations. The
findings reveal that the levels of AFLs in some examined samples exceeded the legal limits (˂ 20
ppb), while the levels of OTA were within the acceptable range (˂ 5 ppb). The data shows a positive
association between the use of probiotics and the reduction of AFLs and OTA in all samples studied.
The results indicate that probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis and
Saccharomyces cerevisiae can potentially serve as decontaminants in the food industry as well as can
replace chemical preservatives in producing organic foods and reduce the levels of mycotoxins in
beef products intended for human consumption.