The key role of the epididymis is contributing to sperm storage, maturation, and survival. The epididymis of camel has a unique structure called the intraepithelial gland. The present work aimed to investigate the structure of the epididymal intraepithelial gland with special references to the seasonal variation. The samples were collected from the distal part of the corpus epididymes of completely healthy mature camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Tomato lectin-positive material had been demonstrated within the epididymal spermatozoa. Here, we provide the first transmission electron microscopic study for the intraepithelial gland of camel epididymis detecting the autophagy during the nonbreeding season. The autophagosomes originated from the endoplasmic reticulum, surrounding mitochondria, and located mainly next to the basement membrane. This location is probably valuable for subsequent passing of their contents into the interstitium for possible recycling. The histochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of the gland in the breeding season indicated a hyperactive secretory microenvironment enriched with the glycoprotein-producing machinery, which could be controlled by androgens. The present data suggest that the camel intraepithelial gland has a significant impact on the reproductive activity through their secretory microenvironment during the breeding season. Moreover, it recycles the unused organelles or proteins for reuse or to supply energy under stress conditions in the nonbreeding season.

Exposure to synthetic pyrethroid (SPs) pesticides such as bifenthrin (BF) has been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and cognitive impairments, but the underlying neurobiological mechanism is poorly understood so far. The present study has been designed to evaluate changes in behavior and in biomarkers of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of rats subchronically treated with BF. Rats exposed daily to BF at doses of 0.6 and 2.1 mg/kg b. w. for 60 days exhibited spatial and cognitive impairments as well as memory dysfunction after 60 days. This repeated BF treatment also significantly increased mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-1β), (IL-6), nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor-kappaB pathway (NF-kappaB), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the hippocampus. It further resulted in a significant increase in protein levels of Nrf2, COX-2, microsomal prostaglandin synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and NF-kappaB. This was accompanied by oxidative/ nitrosative stress in the hippocampus of treated rats, as shown by increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCO), and nitric oxide (NO), and reduced levels of enzymatic (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidants. The data are in line with those obtained in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) isolated from mouse brain and exposed to BF for 72 h, showing neuronal death only at the high dose of 20 μM when compared to controls. These findings suggest that exposure to BF induces neuronal damage, alters redox state, and causes neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, which might lead to cognitive and memory impairment.

Microglia are involved in a widespread set of physiological and pathological processes and further play important roles during neurodevelopmental events. Postnatal maturation of microglia has been associated with the establishment of microglia-specific gene expression patterns. The mechanisms governing microglia maturation are only partially understood but Tgfb1 has been suggested to be one important mediator. In the present study, we demonstrate that early postnatal microglia maturation is associated with alternative microglia activation, increased engulfment of apoptotic cells as well as activated microglial Tgfb signaling. Interestingly, microglial Tgfb signaling preceded the induction of the microglia-specific gene expression indicating the importance of Tgfb1 for postnatal microglia maturation. Moreover, we provide evidence that Tgfb1 is expressed by neurons in postnatal and adult brains defining neuron-microglia communication via Tgfb1 as an important event. Finally, we introduce the recently identified microglia marker Tmem119 as a direct Tgfb1-Smad2 target gene. Taken together, the data presented here further increase the understanding of Tgfb1-mediated effects in microglia and place emphasis on the importance of Tgfb1 for microglia maturation and maintenance

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Yucca schidigera powder (YSP) on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, rumen enzyme activity, and growth performance of growing buffalo calves. A total of 15 buffalo calves aged approximately 8–10 months with 167 ± 3.5 kg average body weight were randomly assigned to three treatments with five calves/treatment. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet as control and YSP groups receiving either 1 g (T1) or 2 g (T2) YSP/ kg dry matter (DM) in the concentrate mixture. The results revealed that the digestibility of DM, ether extract (EE), and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) were significantly (P 0.05) improved, whereas the digestibility of crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and cellulose were decreased (P 0.05) with addition of YSP powder. Dietary supplementation with YSP affects (P 0.05) rumen fermentation in terms of reducing ruminal ammonia-N, total volatile fatty acids, the molar proportion of acetate, ruminal enzyme activity and the total protozoa counts. In addition, supplemental YSP, particularly 2 g/kg DM, increased significantly (P 0.05) the daily dry matter intake of feed, daily weight gain, blood glucose, and albumin levels. It can be concluded that YSP is one of the most effective ways to improve rumen fermentation, growth performance, and mitigation of ammonia and methane in livestock production.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Yucca schidigera powder (YSP) on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, rumen enzyme activity, and growth performance of growing buffalo calves. A total of 15 buffalo calves aged approximately 8–10 months with 167 ± 3.5 kg average body weight were randomly assigned to three treatments with five calves/treatment. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet as control and YSP groups receiving either 1 g (T1) or 2 g (T2) YSP/ kg dry matter (DM) in the concentrate mixture. The results revealed that the digestibility of DM, ether extract (EE), and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) were significantly (P 0.05) improved, whereas the digestibility of crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and cellulose were decreased (P 0.05) with addition of YSP powder. Dietary supplementation with YSP affects (P 0.05) rumen fermentation in terms of reducing ruminal ammonia-N, total volatile fatty acids, the molar proportion of acetate, ruminal enzyme activity and the total protozoa counts. In addition, supplemental YSP, particularly 2 g/kg DM, increased significantly (P 0.05) the daily dry matter intake of feed, daily weight gain, blood glucose, and albumin levels. It can be concluded that YSP is one of the most effective ways to improve rumen fermentation, growth performance, and mitigation of ammonia and methane in livestock production.

Many studies have been carried out to investigate the histological structure of the trachea in many species of birds. However, the cellular organization of the trachea in the mallard duck is still unclear. This study was performed on 12 sexually mature maleMallard duck to demonstrate the cellular organization of the trachea using light and electronmicroscopy. The tracheal epithelium is considered the first line of defense against airborne pathogens. The mallard trachea was lined by a pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium that contained many morphologically distinct cell types: ciliated, non-ciliated, basal cells that encircled by a population of subepithelial immune cells, fibroblasts, and telocytes (TCs). Telocytes were first recorded in duck trachea in this study and showed a wide variety of staining affinity. They presented two long telopodes that made up frequent close contacts with epithelium, tracheal cartilages, and other neighboring TCs, immune cells, blood capillaries, and nerve fibers. TCs express VEGF and S-100 protein. The immune cells include mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and dendritic reticular cells. The ciliated tracheal epithelium was interrupted by numerous intraepithelialmucous glands and solitary goblet cells. Thismucociliary apparatus constitutes the major defense mechanism against inhaled foreign materials. The cellular organization of the duck trachea and its relation to the immunity was discussed.

There is a relationship between hypogonadism and liver cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis. Date palm are widely used in traditional medicine for treatment of different diseases including, liver troubles. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of date flesh or pit aqueous extract in prevention of hypogonadism resulted from liver damage. In addition, to determine the most effective extract and the exact time of its application. Materials and Methods: Sixty rats were divided into 6 equal groups. Control treated daily orally and intraperitoneally with distilled water and olive oil respectively. Group 2: injected on the days 1, 2 and 3 of the treatment period I/P with CCl4. Groups 3 and 5: (Pretreatment date flesh or date pit groups) were administrated aqueous extract of date flesh or pit orally and treated with CCl4 on day 30, 31 and 32 of the treatment period. Group 4 and 6: (Post treatment date-flesh or date-pit group) were administrated aqueous extract of date flesh or date-pit orally and treated with CCl4 on the days 1, 2 and 3 of the treatment period. The experimental period was 60 days. The data were analyzed statistically using one-way analysis of variance procedures and Duncan's test. Results: Rat treated with CCl4 showed significant p0.01 decrease in final body (g), reproductive organs (index weight), liver (index weight) and kidney weights (gm), serum testosterone, gonadotrophins, testicular zinc and testosterone, semen characteristics, total protein, albumin, glucose, antioxidative enzymes and showed significant p0.01 increase in serum estrogen, prolactin and testicular cholesterol, sperm abnormalities, urea, creatinine, lipid profile, bilirubin, liver enzymes and malondialdehyde. Treatment with date flesh or date pit extracts before or after CCl4 treatment caused reverse to these results. Conclusion: Pre and post oral treatment with the aqueous extracts of date pits or flesh at the same time with CCl4 has hepatoprotective effect, which in turn prevent hypogonadism due to liver damage.

There is a relationship between hypogonadism and liver cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis. Date palm are widely used in traditional medicine for treatment of different diseases including, liver troubles. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of date flesh or pit aqueous extract in prevention of hypogonadism resulted from liver damage. In addition, to determine the most effective extract and the exact time of its application. Materials and Methods: Sixty rats were divided into 6 equal groups. Control treated daily orally and intraperitoneally with distilled water and olive oil respectively. Group 2: injected on the days 1, 2 and 3 of the treatment period I/P with CCl4. Groups 3 and 5: (Pretreatment date flesh or date pit groups) were administrated aqueous extract of date flesh or pit orally and treated with CCl4 on day 30, 31 and 32 of the treatment period. Group 4 and 6: (Post treatment date-flesh or date-pit group) were administrated aqueous extract of date flesh or date-pit orally and treated with CCl4 on the days 1, 2 and 3 of the treatment period. The experimental period was 60 days. The data were analyzed statistically using one-way analysis of variance procedures and Duncan's test. Results: Rat treated with CCl4 showed significant p0.01 decrease in final body (g), reproductive organs (index weight), liver (index weight) and kidney weights (gm), serum testosterone, gonadotrophins, testicular zinc and testosterone, semen characteristics, total protein, albumin, glucose, antioxidative enzymes and showed significant p0.01 increase in serum estrogen, prolactin and testicular cholesterol, sperm abnormalities, urea, creatinine, lipid profile, bilirubin, liver enzymes and malondialdehyde. Treatment with date flesh or date pit extracts before or after CCl4 treatment caused reverse to these results. Conclusion: Pre and post oral treatment with the aqueous extracts of date pits or flesh at the same time with CCl4 has hepatoprotective effect, which in turn prevent hypogonadism due to liver damage.

In the present study, the potential immunoprotective role of infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccine on immunopotentiated chickens challenged with velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease virus (vvNDV) genotype VIId was investigated. The chickens were divided into five groups vaccinated with NDV vaccine, but group (G1) was kept as control unvaccinated birds. The G2 and G4 were immunopotentiated using mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) while G3 and G5 received MOS and IBD vaccine. The G1, G2, and G3 were infected with vvNDV while G4 and G5 served as uninfected birds. The humoral response to NDV vaccine was measured by hemagglutination inhibition test while cellular response was estimated by chicken interleukin-2 ELISA, total and differential leucocytic count, bursa body weight index, and histopathological examination of the bursae. The results revealed that the immunopotentiated groups possessed a good cellular and humoral response to vvNDV although the severity of histopathological lesions was variable. The G3 had the best cellular and humoral response, and IBD vaccine enhanced the immune response against the infection with vvNDV. Histopathologically, the typical bursal lesions of NDV were observed in G1 such as lymphocytic depletion, acute inflammatory reaction, and degenerative changes of the bursal follicles. In contrast, such histopathological changes in the immunopotentiated groups were less evident both in severity and prevalence, while the immune reactive lymphoid hyperplasia was a prominent finding in G4 and G5. In conclusion, the immunopotentiation of the chickens as well as NDV and IBD vaccination improved the bird immunity and diminished the immunosuppressive effect of the vvNDV.

In the present study, the potential immunoprotective role of infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccine on immunopotentiated chickens challenged with velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease virus (vvNDV) genotype VIId was investigated. The chickens were divided into five groups vaccinated with NDV vaccine, but group (G1) was kept as control unvaccinated birds. The G2 and G4 were immunopotentiated using mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) while G3 and G5 received MOS and IBD vaccine. The G1, G2, and G3 were infected with vvNDV while G4 and G5 served as uninfected birds. The humoral response to NDV vaccine was measured by hemagglutination inhibition test while cellular response was estimated by chicken interleukin-2 ELISA, total and differential leucocytic count, bursa body weight index, and histopathological examination of the bursae. The results revealed that the immunopotentiated groups possessed a good cellular and humoral response to vvNDV although the severity of histopathological lesions was variable. The G3 had the best cellular and humoral response, and IBD vaccine enhanced the immune response against the infection with vvNDV. Histopathologically, the typical bursal lesions of NDV were observed in G1 such as lymphocytic depletion, acute inflammatory reaction, and degenerative changes of the bursal follicles. In contrast, such histopathological changes in the immunopotentiated groups were less evident both in severity and prevalence, while the immune reactive lymphoid hyperplasia was a prominent finding in G4 and G5. In conclusion, the immunopotentiation of the chickens as well as NDV and IBD vaccination improved the bird immunity and diminished the immunosuppressive effect of the vvNDV.