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Five new species of Heteropoda (Araneae, Sparassidae, Heteropodinae) are described from China: H. bawanglingensis sp. nov. (female; Hainan), H. dulongensis sp. nov. (male, female; Yunnan), H. hainanensis sp. nov. (male, female; Hainan), H. longa sp. nov. (female; Guizhou), and H. vaginalis sp. nov. (female; Yunnan). We provide descriptions and illustrations for each species as well as a distribution map in the current paper.

This study was aimed at determining the effect of clove meal addition in diets on nutrient digestibility and metabolizable energy in broilers and whether it could be an alternative to antibiotics or not. In this experiment, twenty-four 35-day-old broilers of the chicken strain Lohman were used. A total of twenty broiler chickens were selected as representatives for determining the digestibility. The treatment diets were: T0 (basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 0.25% clove meal), T2 (basal diet + 0.5% clove meal), T3 (basal diet + 0.75% clove meal), and T4 (basal diet + 1% clove meal). The variables measured were dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, apparent protein digestibility, true digestible protein (TDP), Apparent Metabolizable Energy (AME), True Metabolizable Energy (TME), Nitrogen Corrected Apparent Metabolizable Energy (AMEn) and Nitrogen Corrected True Metabolizable Energy (TMEn). A completely random design was used, with five treatments and four replications. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences among treatments were examined using Duncan’s multiple range test. The results show that the treatment influences significantly (P0,05) of dietary treatment on AME, TME, AMEn, and TMEn. However, the addition of 0.75% clove meal indicated the best result in AME, TME, AMEn, and TMEn. It can be concluded that the experiment indicated that the addition of clove meal (Syzygium aromaticum L.) in 0.75% on the diet of broiler chickens was effective in increasing the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, TDP, and metabolizable energy.

Globally, the poultry production industry is growing at a rapid pace. Mycoplasma is a disease that causes an enormous financial loss to the poultry farming industry. Lately, there have been reports of avian mycoplasmosis resistance to multiple antibiotics especially macrolides. Thus, the purpose of this work was to assess the antibacterial activity of curcumin nanoparticles (curcumin-NPs) against Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) in vitro and In vivo as a possible alternative for antibiotics. In vitro investigations were used to determine the curcumin-NPs' minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) versus MG and MS. To conduct In vivo research, 216 birds were divided into nine groups, each consisting of 24 birds in triplicate and 8 birds apiece. The groups were as follows: G1 was given an MG challenge; G2 received an MG challenge and 0.5% curcumin-NPs; G3 received an MG challenge and 1% curcumin-NPs; G4 MG challenged and treated with tilmicosin, G5 challenged with MS; G6 infected with MS and supplied with 0.5% curcumin-NPs; G7 infected with MS and supplied with 1% curcumin-NPs; G8 received an MS challenge and treated with tilmicosin and G9 were the control negative group. The conclusion is that curcumin-NPs demonstrated in vitro anti-Mycoplasma activities; adding 1% curcumin-NPs to the drinking water for five days was a much more potent treatment than adding 0.5% curcumin-NPs and tilmicosin for the control of MG and MS infections in broiler chickens; the treated birds showed improved lipid profiles, better FCR, body weight gain, and a noticeable decrease in the sternness of clinical manifestations as well as lesions score. Additionally, a notable enhancement in renal function (urea & creatinine), hepatic enzymes (ALT & AST), and antioxidant status (Catalase, GSH, and MDA). There has also been a notable advancement in lipid profile. For five days, the use of 1% curcumin-NPs in the drinking water is advised as a secure and efficient treatment for avian mycoplasmosis in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Down syndrome (DS), which usually occurs due to an extra chromosome 21 or a partial trisomy, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. The affected individuals usually present with characteristic clinical manifestations and are seen to be associated with various systemic defects. Aim: The aim of our study was to determine the major congenital anomalies associated with DS in the North Indian population. Methods: Blood samples of 51 children (0–10 years) who were screened for the suspicion of DS were collected. Karyotyping was conducted. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0. Results: Out of the 51 suspected participants, karyotypes could be successfully obtained only for 40. Among these 40 participants, karyotypes of 35 were confirmed to be DS. Of these 35 confirmed cases, 21 (60%) were found to be associated with at least one major congenital anomaly, of which cardiac anomalies (34.2%) were most common, followed by gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary anomalies (11.4% each). Central nervous system and musculoskeletal anomalies constituted 5.7% each. Mosaic variant of DS was found to be least associated with congenital anomalies. Conclusion: The patients with DS should be carefully examined for systemic anomalies. Most cases are usually associated with at least one congenital anomaly.

In spite of enormous vaccination programs that were implemented in the Egyptian poultry farms, Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) remains one of the major concerns to the poultry industry. Therefore, molecular analysis for the circulating NDV strains is crucial to monitor their genetic evolution. Twenty-three tracheal samples were collected from vaccinated broiler, layer and breeder flocks suffered from respiratory, nervous symptoms and drop in egg production between October 2019 and December 2020. Only ten samples (10/23; 43.5%) showed HA activity after propagation into ECE while only six samples were positive for Avian avulavirus 1 based on real time RT-PCR. Nucleotide sequences for both F and HN genes showed high similarity to recently reported Egyptian NDV isolates. Sequencing for the F protein cleavage site showed the typical sequence of velogenic NDV strains (112R-R/K-Q-K-R↓F117). Deduced amino acid analyses for the cleavage site, fusion peptide, glycosylation sites, heptad repeat region and transmembrane domain of F protein were conducted along with the transmembrane domain of HN protein that showed different substitutions in comparison with the commonly used vaccine strains. Phylogenetic analyses for the reported isolates in this study based on the full-length F gene revealed their clustering within sub-genotype VII.1.1. 3D protein structural modelling suggested that amino acids substitutions within the fusion peptide sequences result in conformational changes in the F protein structure. In conclusion, NDV continues to evolve and further in vivo studies are strongly recommended to define the precise efficacy of applied NDV vaccines against the circulating strains in Egypt.

Background: Poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) crowns and abutments can be used to fabricate esthetic and stable implant supported single tooth abutment and short implants can be used to avoid problems and contraindication of standard implants. The aim of this work was to evaluate fracture strength of PEEK abutment over short implant after fatigue. Methods: This experimental laboratory study was carried out on 40 implants. Implants were categorized into two equal groups: group I: short implants which subdivided into two equal groups (group IA: PEEK abutments and group IB: Titanium abutments), and group II: standard implants which subdivided into two equal groups (group IIA: PEEK abutments and group IIB: Titanium abutments). Zirconia crowns were fabricated and cemented to abutments with resin cement and artificially aged through dynamic loading by chewing simulator to stimulate 3 months clinically. Results: All test specimens survived the artificial aging process using simulated oral conditions. Group (GIIA) show the highest fracture resistance with the mean value (1526.81 ± 2.91) followed by group (GIA) (1265.32 ± 1.06) then group (GIIB) (1095.44 ± 0.84) and finally group (GIB) (1086.99 ± 1.52), there was highly significance difference between short and standard implants. The effect of abutment material there was also highly significant difference between PEEK and titanium Abutments, group (GIIA) under electron microscope showed unfavorable fracture while all other groups showed favorable fracture only. Conclusions: The highest fracture strength was found in zirconia crowns cemented to PEEK abutment over standard implant, The lowest fracture strength was found in zirconia crowns cemented to titanium abutment over short implant and Standard implants have favorable stress distribution than short implants under loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a patient who has cognitive sequalae including verbal retrieval deficits after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The cortico-caudate-thalamic circuit involving the pre-Supplementary Motor Area (pre-SMA) has been proposed to underlie verbal retrieval functions. We hypothesized that High Definition-transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) targeting the pre-SMA would selectively modulate this circuit to remediate verbal retrieval deficits. After the patient underwent 10 sessions of 20 min of 1 mA HD-tDCS targeting the pre-SMA, we documented significant improvements for verbal fluency and naming, and for working memory and executive function tasks that involve the frontal lobes. The effects persisted for up to 14 weeks after completion of HD-tDCS treatment. We also demonstrated normalization of the event-related potentials suggesting modulation of the underlying neural circuit. Our study implicates that region-specific non-invasive brain stimulation, such as HD-tDCS, serves as a potential individualized therapeutic tool to treat cognitive deficits by inducing longer-lasting neuroplasticity even in the chronic phase of TBI.

The efficacy of four infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccines including intermediate (D78) and intermediate plus (228E, IBD-Blen and Bursa-Vac+) were compared in priming vaccination of 10 days commercial old male layer chicks. There were different parameters were measured for testing these vaccines including; the immunogenic efficacy, the effect on performance, organ (bursa, spleen, and proventriculus) body weight index as well as histopathological examination of bursa, spleen, proventriculus and thymus. Chick was received a dose of 102 EID50 from one IBDV vaccine out of 228E, IBD-Blen or Bursa-Vac+, while D78 dose was 104 EID50. The results cleared out that all the tested vaccines passed through the maternal derived antibodies 2480.133 + 156.3. All vaccines stimulate antibody formation as measured by ELISA test. The used vaccines not affect markedly body weight and feed intake, as there were no significant differences between the control group and the vaccinated ones in the mean body weight and the feed conversion rate. Furthermore, the bursa: body weight index of vaccinated groups were generally less than those of control one at all intervals, while the spleen and proventriculus: spleen: body weight index of vaccinated groups was higher than control on at the end of the observation period. The used vaccines induced histopathological changes in bursa, spleen , proventriculus and thymus glands. These results indicated that all tested vaccine are of value in vaccination of commercial chicks from vaccinated breeders

This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence, molecular characterization and pathogenicity of field infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) isolates. Nine isolates of IBDV were isolated from 13 naturally infected broiler flocks. Detection of IBDV antigen was carried out by agar gel precipitation test (AGPT), followed by virus isolation in specific pathogen free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs (ECE) and finally molecularly characterized and identified using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The obtained nine strains of IBDV by RT-PCR were further classified by using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique into (4) classical, (3) variant and (2) very virulent (vv) IBDV serotype (I). The pathogenicity of the isolated IBDV strains was detected by three passages in SPF ECEs and by experimental infection of one hundred 14 days old maternally immune layer chicks. The results showed that the mortality rate of the embryos was increased by increase the number of passages till the third passage where it reached 100% for all IBDV strains and the embryos showed typical lesions of IBDV. Chicks inoculated with variant IBDV strains showed morbidity rates of 60-80 %, without mortalities. Sacrificed birds showed atrophied bursae and thymus glands and enlarged thickened proventriculus. Groups infected with classical IBDV strains showed morbidity rates 40- 60,% with mortality 0-20%. The detectable lesions were muscular hemorrhages with variable bursal lesions. Inoculated chicks with vvIBDV strains showed 50-70% morbidity and mortality of rate was 30% with lesions of muscular hemorrhages, severe nephrosis with ureates in the ureters, hemorrhagic bursitis and pin point hemorrhages on the proventricular glands. Control negative non-infected group showed neither clinical signs nor mortalities along the observation period. The histopathological effect (lesion score) of IBDV strains on the bursa, spleen and thymus glands confirmed the previously mentioned results and revealed that the highest severity (score) for these organs were induced by vv IBDV strains.

A serious infection in avian species can be caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). Because of the harmful consequences that antibiotics have on public health, reducing their usage in the animal industry is a major global concern. As an alternative to antibiotics, nanoparticles (NPs) have been used more and more recently to target bacteria. Zinc oxide (ZnO), one of these NPs, exhibited antibacterial activity even at low concentrations. Consequently, at 14 days, 75-day-old Cobb broiler chicks were separated into 5 equal groups (15 birds each divided into triplicate, 5 bird per replicate). The groups were calssified as G1, G2, G3, G4 & G5. G1 was infected with C. perfringens type A; G2 was infected & given zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONPs); G3 was infected with C. perfringens & given doxycycline as an antibiotic; G4 received ZONPs continuously for 35 days; & G5 was the negative control. For two successive days, 4×108 colony forming units (CFU) of C. perfringens type A/mL/bird were given orally to birds in infected groups. ZONPs in the treatment groups received a total dose of 150 µg/bird. Bird performance is measured for 35 days, & data is gathered on body weight (BW), feed conversion (FC), feed conversion rate (FCR), clinical signs score, & mortalities. Moreover, immune organ indices & the microbial loads in the caecum & intestine were assessed. Remarkably, BW improvements (P < 0.05) were noted in ZONPs treated group & ZONPs / C. perfringens infected group, in contrast to those in G1. Compared to G1, treatment with ZONPs lowered the colonization of C. perfringens in the caeca & intestine, lessened the severity of clinical symptoms, & decreased mortality. Thymus, bursa, & spleen relative weights varied considerably (P < 0.05) between treatment groups. When ZONPs were administered alone or in conjunction with infection, the spleen's relative weight was considerably (P < 0.05) larger in treated birds than in control & antibiotic-treated birds. In conclusion, ZONPs positively affect the BW & FCR, improve the relative weight of immune organs, & can decrease the C. perfringens count in the intestine, positively impacting performance, general health, & gut health integrity. However, ZONPs also reduce the population of gut microbes. On the other hand, birds that received antibiotic treatment showed adverse effects on a few metrics. Therefore, more investigation into the use of ZONPs in broiler diets and their safety for the health of humans and avian species is still advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A serious problem within the poultry sector is avian colibacillosis, which can be found either as a primary or secondary infection, inducing huge financial losses in poultry production and posing a zoonotic threat to humans. Escherichia coli (E. coli) avian pathogenic strains have recently demonstrated multi-drug resistance. Therefore, this investigation aimed to assess the efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against avian pathogenic E. coli O78 in broiler chickens. Thus, 147 broiler chicks were allocated into seven groups, each with 21 birds with triplicates of seven birds each. In group G1, control birds are negative; in group G2, control-positive infected birds are positive for E. coli O87; G3, infected-supplied with 1 mg/L ZnO-NPs in drinking water; G4, infected-treated with 2 mg/L ZnO-NPs in drinking water; G5, infected-treated with antibiotics; G6, supplied for continuous 35 days with 1 mg/L ZnO-NPs; and G7 treated for continuous 35 days with 2 mg/L ZnO-NPs. During 5 weeks observation duration, bird performance, mortalities were monitored, and serum samples were gathered to evaluate the immune system. It was noticed that the birds treated with ZnO-NPs (G6 and G7) gained more weight (P = 0.017) and weighed significantly more than the control-infected birds (G2). On days 1 through 35, there was a significant improvement in the FCR of the infected birds that supplied with ZnO-NPs (G4, G6, and G7) (P =0.034). HI titers did not differ between the groups at 21 and 28 days. In conclusion, in comparison to the non-treated group, treatment with both doses of ZnO-NPs led to reduction in the colonization of E. coli in the intestine and cecum, a reduction in the severity of clinical signs, & mortalities, as well as improve birds' performance but no significant differences in humoral immune response against ND vaccine among different groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) and Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) are two of the most serious infections in poultry, causing financial losses across the globe. Antibiotics treatment can lessen the clinical signs of MG and MS infection in birds and help restrict the spread of these infections. However, the rise of antibiotics multidrug resistance (MDR) among poultry diseases is still a problem for the world's health. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is crucial to resolving this issue since it helps ensure correct antibiotic use and fights the development of antibiotic resistance. This investigation aims to assess the In vitro and In vivo efficacy of several antibiotics (tilmicosin, tylosin, erythromycin, spiramycin, lincomycin, and doxycycline) against MG and MS field isolates, in addition to guava leaves extract (GLE) against MG. For In vivo study, 510, one day old chicks were randomly split into 17 groups the birds were experimentally infected at 3 days old and supplied with different treatments in drinking waters for 5 successive days at 18 days old. The results of In vitro study showed that tilmicosin was the most effective against MG isolates with MIC values ranging from 0.0078 to 0.0156 μg/ml and spiramycin considered effective against MS with MIC values ranging from 0.015625 to16μg/ml and MIC value of GLE was 0.25 μg/ml that was considered as moderate sensitive to MG infection. The In vivo study revealed that tilmicosin and spiramycin were able to significantly lower the clinical score, lesion score, and re-isolation rate of MG and MS, respectively in the treated birds at p-value < 0.05 in contrast with control positive infected untreated groups. Additionally, the treated groups with tilmicosin in MG infection and spiramycin in MS infection showed significantly higher mean body weights (MBW) compared to the infected untreated ones at p-value < 0.05. The current study demonstrates that MG and MS's sensitivity to many of the most popular drugs changed as in tylosin become low sensitive and erythromycin become resistant. GLE has moderate sensitivity antibacterial effect against MG isolates both In vivo and In vitro and can be used as a natural antibiotic alternative. Therefore, we recommend periodical monitoring of the sensitivity of the circulation MG and MS strains using MIC test to overcome MDR of avian mycoplasmas with further suggestion to evaluate GLE as nano-preparation against MG infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasmosis is a main threat to the poultry industry. Recently, Mycoplasma developed resistance against most macrolides therefore, this study aimed to in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS). In vitro studies were adopted to estimate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO-NPs against MG and MS. For in vivo studies, 189 birds were allotted into 9 groups including 21 birds/group with triplicates, 7 birds each as follow: G1: challenged with MS; G2: challenged with MS and treated with 1% ZnO-NPs; G3:; challenged with MS and treated with 0.5% ZnO-NPs G4: challenged with MS and treated with difloxacin; G5: challenged with MG; G6: challenged with MG and treated with 1% ZnO-NPs; G7: challenged with MG and treated with 0.5% ZnO-NPs; G8: challenged with MG and treated with Difloxacin and G9: control negative. In conclusion, ZnO-NPs revealed in vitro anti-Mycoplasmal activity, the addition of 1% ZnO-NPs in the drinking water of the birds was a very effective medication for controlling MG & MS infections in broiler and treated birds revealed better FCR, a significant reduction in the severity of clinical signs and lesion score, a significant improvement in antioxidant status (Catalase, MDA & GSH), enhancement of hepatic (ALT & AST) & renal function (Creatinine & Urea) and a significant improvement in lipid profile (cholesterol & triglycerides). The usage of 1% ZnO-NPs is recommended as a safe effective treatment against avian mycoplasmosis in broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is accountable for causing one of the most contagious avian diseases in poultry, resulting in substantial financial losses worldwide. Both genotype I and II vaccines are commonly used for live NDV vaccination, particularly in broiler flocks. Recent years have witnessed a significant surge in the number of Newcastle disease outbreaks in Egyptian poultry broiler flocks, demonstrating the evolving nature of NDV infections and raising concerns regarding the effectiveness of existing NDV vaccination programs. In our study, a total of 200 one-day-old commercial chicks were divided into six groups, including unvaccinated group and five vaccinated groups. To assess the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of commonly used NDV vaccines against the prevalent Velogenic Viscerotropic Newcastle Disease Virus (vvNDV), The birds were administered live vaccines LaSota (Genotype II) and I2 (Genotype I) either as a single booster or a double booster after the initial priming with the HB1 vaccine. The comparative protective efficiency of all vaccine regimens assessment was based on clinical evaluation, observation of survival rates, and examination of viral shedding following vvNDV challenge. We also, evaluated the immune response to live vaccination by weekly monitoring of IgG specific antibodies' levels in test sera. Our findings validated that the use of multiple live NDV vaccines can offer protection against the clinical symptoms of velogenic NDV, enhance protective immunity, and reduce the virus shedding after a challenge. The inclusion of heat stable I2 vaccine could be precious in the view of earth heating and weather change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our intention was to evaluate the role of combined diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in diagnosis and grading of brain tumors. Materials and methods: Ninety-three included cases underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the brain lesion, stereotactic or open biopsies and histopathological examination. MRI protocol included DWI and calculated ADC values. Multivoxel MRS spectroscopic technique (MVS) was used and all MRS metabolic parameters were obtained. Results: High grade tumors had significantly lower ADC values than low grade tumors (P

Background: Differentiation between cerebral abscesses and necrotic brain tumors showing ring enhancement can be confusing at times by conventional MRI. The introduction of advanced imaging techniques, such as MR spectroscopy and diffusion WI, have contributed to the differentiation. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that MR spectroscopy and diffusion weighted can be used to differentiate between necrotizing or cystic brain tumor and brain abscesses. Methods: The study was conducted on 45 patients (necrotic or cystic tumor (30 cases); brain abscess (15 cases) showing ring-shaped contrast enhancement on conventional MRI. 1.5-T 1H-MR Spectroscopy and diffusion WI were performed and the results were ensured by stereotactic biopsy or aspiration procedures in surgically indicated cases and/or follow up. Results: 14 patients (out of 15) with pyogenic abscess had lactate, amino acids, and acetate peaks; Succinate peak is seen as extra peak in three of these patients, and lipid peaks are also seen as extra peaks in 3 patients. One patient with brain stem abscess after 20 days treatment by antibiotics shows only lactate and lipid peaks. 2 of them show mild increase in choline with decrease in NAA (brain tissue contamination). 17 out of 30 patients with cystic or necrotic tumor showed only lactate peak in MRS. While 13 patients show lactate and lipid peaks, four of them show additional high choline peak with low NAA and creatine peak (contamination with brain tissue). The results were confirmed by Sterotactic biopsy in 27 cases and aspiration in 13 cases and follow up for all cases. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and overall accuracy of diffusion and MRS were 88%, 100%, 100%, 93.3% and 95.5% respectively. Conclusion: 1H-MRS and diffusion WI are fast, easy to perform, noninvasive, and provide additional information that can accurately differentiate between necrotic/cystic tumors and cerebral abscesses.

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a major avian pathogen revealing financial losses in poultry industry around the world. The current research aimed to study the bacteriological, molecular detection and sequencing of MG recovered from cases with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) from broiler and layer chicken farms in some Egyptian governorates. Therefore, a total of 125 samples were collected from (25) flock/governorate, representing (15) broiler chicken and (10) laying chicken farms from five Egyptian governorates (Giza, Al-Qalyubia, AL-Dakahlia, Al-Faiyum, AL-Sharqia) from March 2020 till January 2022. The isolates were characterized by using conventional methods and molecularly identified by using (16S rRNA), (mgc2) specific primers for MG. The bacteriological isolation showed that 80.8% (101/125) samples appeared as fried egg colonies on PPLO agar while the rest 24 samples were negative. Only 88 out of 101 (87.1%) bacteriologically positive samples were positive by conventional PCR. Gene target sequencing (GTS) was carried out on one MG isolate with positive PCR mgc2 specific gene. The incidence of MG increases in winter and autumn compared to summer and spring. The sequenced isolate of mgc2 gene is grouped with field strain isolated from Egyptian chickens with 100% identity. The obtained findings indicated that the mgc2 gene could discriminate between MG field type and vaccinal F-strain, MG remains a serious avian pathogen and the study recommend a periodical molecular monitoring of MG in poultry flock with sequence analysis of the circulating strains and further investigations should be applied to detect most suitable control and preventive measures to solve such problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]