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This study examined the association, promoter methylation of Interferon alpha-inducible protein 6 (IFI6) gene, and their effects on mRNA expression and meat quality traits in pig. Muscle samples (n=300) were randomly collected from the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) to determine meat quality traits including drip loss, thawing loss, cooking loss, meat pH [at 45 minutes (pH45min) and at 24 hours (pH24h) post-mortem], shear force (for tenderness), and lightness (L*) in pigs. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Muscle samples (5 per group) with divergent meat pH (low vs high) were selected for promoter methylation study using bisulfate and pyrosequencing. Muscle samples from animals (5 per group) with divergent phenotypes (low vs high meat pH and low vs high drip loss) were used for mRNA expression study by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results showed that a polymorphism in IFI6 gene (g.370A>G) was significantly (P < 0.01) associated with meat pH24h. Furthermore, four CpG regions were identified in IFI6 promoter, of which DNA methylation in a CG site was higher in low meat pH24h group compared to high meat pH24h group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of IFI6 gene was significantly (P < 0.01) downregulated in low meat pH24h group than high meat pH24h group. This result postulated that high DNA methylation at CG site in the promoter region might downregulate the IFI6 gene expression, hence lower the muscle pH that might lead to higher drip loss and lower tenderness. Therefore, porcine IFI6 gene might be a potential candidate gene for meat quality trait in pig. Nevertheless, further research is needed to confirm the role of IFI6 gene in controlling meat quality traits in other commercial populations. This study analysed association of a SNP in IFI6 gene with meat quality traits, and promotor methylation and transcriptome expression of IFI6 gene in relation to meat pH. The result suggested that polymorphism affects meat pH. The high DNA methylation at a specific CG site in the IFI6 promoter is involved in IFI6 gene downregulation in low meat pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic pollution is an emerging issue of increasing concern in the environment. The abundance and distribution of microplastics in surface water and sediment in the Jamuna River and Turag River in Bangladesh have been determined in this study. Surface water and sediment samples were collected in triplicate for each station from 6 sampling stations of two rivers in July 2019. Of all the microplastics were identified by a digital binocular microscope. A total of 145 and 261 microplastic particles were identified in the surface water samples, while the sediment samples, it accounted for 93 and 774 particles in Jamuna River and Turag River, respectively. The mean abundance of microplastics was 16.11±2.22 particles/100L in the surface water of Jamuna River and for Turag River it was 29.00±10.68 particles/100L. The mean abundance of microplastics in sediment was observed 10.33±1.45 particles/kg for the Jamuna River and 86.00±12.17 particles/kg for the Turag River. Recorded microplastics were categorized into shape, size, and color. Among which foam and film were the most abundant shape of microplastics in both surface water (foam= 52%; film= 31%) and sediment (foam= 31%; film= 45%) of Jamuna River and Turag River, respectively. Small sizes of microplastics were common in both the rivers except surface water of Turag River while white color of microplastics was the most dominant in both rivers. Turag River was found more abundant with microplastics than that of the Jamuna River. The industrial establishments along the pathway of Turag River could be the source of abundant microplastics. This is the first time study on microplastics in surface water and sediment in Jamuna River and Turag River. The outcome of the study could be a baseline for microplastic pollution in such a large freshwater ecosystem of Bangladesh. Findings can also provide a better understanding of sources of microplastic pollution towards planning for remedy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play crucial roles in the early phase of infection in the innate immune response against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-α factor (LITAF) is an essential transcription factor that regulates the immune system, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokines. This study aimed to determine the hematological profile reflecting the immune response related to TLR2 and TLR4 and LITAF gene expression in Thai indigenous chickens. Materials and Methods: Blood samples (2 mL) were randomly obtained from three chicken breeds (black-boned chicken, Fah Luang chicken, and Pradu Hang Dam chicken) at 16 weeks of age (n = 5 per breed). The hematological profile and mRNA expression within the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined by hematological analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: The hematological profile differed significantly in terms of red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin, and white blood cells (WBCs) (p < 0.05). Black-boned chicken and Fah Luang chicken had lower RBC levels than Pradu Hang Dam chicken. Fah Luang chicken had lower hemoglobin than Pradu Hang Dam chicken. However, Fah Luang chicken had higher WBC levels than Pradu Hang Dam chicken. Hematocrit, heterophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes did not differ significantly among the groups (p > 0.05). According to qRT-PCR, the expression of the TLR2 gene did not differ significantly among the groups (p > 0.05), while TLR4 and LITAF gene expression did (p < 0.05). Toll-like receptor 4 and LITAF genes were most highly expressed in Fah Luang chicken. Conclusion: The PBMCs of Thai indigenous chickens showed evidence of TLR4 and LITAF gene expression, with higher expression levels observed in Fah Luang chicken. From this preliminary study, it is concluded that TLR4 and LITAF genes might play roles in the main immune system response in Thai indigenous chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: The impact of circulating viruses on the critically endangered, orange-bellied parrot (OBP) population can be devastating. The OBP already faces numerous threats to its survival in the wild, including habitat loss, predation, and small population impacts. Conservation of the wild OBP population is heavily reliant on supplementation using OBPs from a managed captive breeding program. These birds may act as a source for introduction of a novel disease agent to the wild population that may affect survival and reproduction. It is, therefore, essential to monitor and assess the health of OBPs and take appropriate measures to prevent and control the spread of viral infections. This requires knowledge of the existing virome to identify novel and emerging viruses and support development of appropriate measures to manage associated risk. By monitoring and protecting these animals from emerging viral diseases, we can help ensure their ongoing survival and preserve the biodiversity of our planet., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.