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The current study aimed to study the effects of administration with a multistrain probiotic formulation (MPF) initiated from the prepartum stage on lactation performance, digestibility, rectal microbiota, and blood metabolites of postpartum dairy cows. A total of 30 multiparous crossbred (Holstein Friesian × Balady) dairy cows were randomized into three groups: control (no MPF supplementation), MPF1 (0.5 g MPF/cow/d), and MPF2 (1 g MPF/cow/d). The administration of MPF started 28 days before calving and continued for 84 days after. The results revealed that cows in the MPFI and MPF2 groups had higher milk production, 3.5% FCM, and ECM than those in the control group. The MPF‐supplemented cows had significantly greater milk energy output, DMI, and yields of solids‐not‐fat, lactose, total solids, ash, fat, and protein. The MPF supplementation significantly enhanced feed conversion and significantly interacted with milk solids‐not‐fat, lactose, total solids, and protein. Hematological indicators did not significantly alter between the MPF and control groups. However, cows receiving MPF supplements had higher levels of Hct. Serum biochemical measurements showed lower serum concentrations of LDL, total cholesterol, and VLDL in MPF‐fed cows than in the control group. The digestibility of organic and dry matter tended to be higher in MPF‐supplemented cows. The populations of lactobacillus, bacillus, and total bacterial count increased due to MPF administration, while the count of Clostridium, Salmonella, E. coli, and coliforms decreased in MPF‐fed cows. In summary, administering MPF during late gestation and early lactation period improved milk production, fecal microbial composition, and overall health of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YiiP from Shewanella oneidensis is a prokaryotic Zn2+/H+ antiporter that serves as a model for the Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) superfamily, members of which are generally responsible for homeostasis of transition metal ions. Previous studies of YiiP as well as related CDF transporters have established a homodimeric architecture and the presence of three distinct Zn2+ binding sites named A, B, and C. In this study, we use cryo-EM, microscale thermophoresis and molecular dynamics simulations to address the structural and functional roles of individual sites as well as the interplay between Zn2+ binding and protonation. Structural studies indicate that site C in the cytoplasmic domain is primarily responsible for stabilizing the dimer and that site B at the cytoplasmic membrane surface controls the structural transition from an inward facing conformation to an occluded conformation. Binding data show that intramembrane site A, which is directly responsible for transport, has a dramatic pH dependence consistent with coupling to the proton motive force. A comprehensive thermodynamic model encompassing Zn2+ binding and protonation states of individual residues indicates a transport stoichiometry of 1 Zn2+ to 2-3 H+ depending on the external pH. This stoichiometry would be favorable in a physiological context, allowing the cell to use the proton gradient as well as the membrane potential to drive the export of Zn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The placenta act as barrier that protects the embryo against injurious agents. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener used throughout the world, its metabolites can cross the placenta and cause change on its structure. Ginger is a plant used in the treatment of vomiting during pregnancy. Its extracts were reported to have an antioxidant action. Aim of the Work: Assessing the histopathological and the teratogenic effect of Aspartame on the placenta and fetuses of albino rat and study the possible protective effect of Ginger. Materials and Methods: Fifty female albino rats were divided into four groups: Control group: received distilled water. Aspartame group received 265 mg/kg body weight (b.w) Aspartame, Ginger group received 200 mg/kg b.w Ginger extract and Aspartame-Ginger group received 265mg/kg b.w Aspartame then 200 mg/kg b.w Ginger extract by orogastric tube on gestational days from one to 18. Placenta weighted and processed for histological examination and immunohistochemical staining to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Fetuses were weighted and examined for anomalies. Results: Aspartame group showed a significant decrease in the mean maternal weight gain, placental weight, fetal weight and length. Additionally, a decreased basal zone and an increased labyrinth zone thickness were detected. Moreover, this group showed placental structure alternations on the light and the electron microscopic level, an increase in the interhemal membrane thickness and a significant increase in the VEGF expression in the labyrinth zone. Ginger improved all fetal and maternal parameters and ameliorated the Aspartame induced effect on the placenta. Conclusion: Aspartame has a deleterious effect on albino rat's placenta and fetus, adding Ginger ameliorate this impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to investigate the effect of Al2O3 and Al additions to Nickel-base superalloys as a coating layer on oxidation resistance, and structural behavior of nickel superalloys such as IN 738 LC. Nickel-base superalloys are popular as base materials for hot components in industrial gas turbines such as blades due to their superior mechanical performance and high-temperature oxidation resistance, but the combustion gases’ existence generates hot oxidation at high temperatures for long durations of time, resulting in corrosion of turbine blades which lead to massive economic losses. Turbine blades used in Iraqi electrical gas power stations require costly maintenance using traditional processes regularly. These blades are made of nickel superalloys such as IN 738 LC(Inconel 738). Few scientists investigated the impact of Al2O3 or Al additions to Nickel-base superalloys as coating layer by using the slurry coating method on oxidation resistance to enhance the Nickel-base superalloy’s oxidation resistance. In this study, IN 738 LC is coated with two different coating percentages, the first being (10 Al+90 Al2O3) and the second being (40 Al+60 Al2O3). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) were performed on all samples before and after oxidation. According to the results, SEM images of the surface revealed that the layer of the surface has a relatively moderated porosity value and that some of the coating layers contain micro-cracks. The best surface roughness of specimens coated with 60 % alumina+40 % aluminum was 5.752 nm. Whereas, the surface roughness of specimens coated with 90 % alumina+10 % aluminum was 6.367 nm. Results reveal that alloys with both Al2O3 and Al additions have reported a positive synergistic effect of the Al2O3 and Al additions on oxidation resistance. Moreover, the NiCrAl2O3 thermal coating has good oxidation resistance and the effective temperature of anti-oxidation is raised to 1100 °C in turn reducing the maintenance period of turbine blades [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]