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In this study, the antagonistic activity of 1,000 bacterial isolates from different areas of Iran and two isolates of Pseudomonas fluorescens: CHA0 and UTPf5 were individually assayed against two isolates of Fusarium solani and two isolates of F. oxysporum that cause potato dry rot in Mashhad, Iran. Using in vitro dual culture plate technique, most of the tested isolates significantly reduced mycelia growth of Fusarium spp. on PDA after 7 days of incubation at 25°C, compared to the untreated control. Thirty bacteria isolates with the most inhibition and P. fluorescens CHA0 were selected for experiments on potato tubers. All isolates were tested on tuber of potato cultivar Agria under in vivo conditions. There was no significant difference between rot diameter by P. fluorescens CHA0 and the infected control, but other isolates reduced dry rot development after 21 days of incubation at 25-27°C, as compared to the untreated control. However, three isolates, namely, VUPf40, VUPf44, and VUPf506 that belong to the P. fluorescens species were the most effective. Talc-based formulation of these three effective bacteria and P. fluorescens CHA0 were assessed for their in situ efficacy against potato dry rot development, caused by F. solani FPO67, on treated tubers compared to the control. The formulation of these bacteria significantly decreased dry rot development, but only P. fluorescens VUPf506, with 79.8% reduction of fungi development, and 18.57% prevalence, was the most effective in reduction of potato dry rot in natural conditions. Based on these results, P. fluorescens VUPf506 can be considered as a promising alternative to chemical fungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data set used in this study contained 8793 records of lamb's weight (kg) from 320 sires and 2349 dams collected during 1989 to 2014 from the Lori-Bakhtiari flock at Shooli station in Shahrekord, Iran. Nongenetic factors and genetic parameters (partitioned into autosomal, sex-linked and maternal) of lamb's weight at different ages were estimated using without and with sex-linked genetic effects models. The results showed that the overall mean of lamb's weight were 5.01, 28.93, 41.42, 51.33 and 56.52 kg at birth, weaning, 6, 9 and 12 months of age, respectively. The effect of fixed factors; year and month of birth, age of dam, sex of lamb, type of birth; dam body weight and age of lamb (days) as linear covariate were significant (P<0.01 or 0.05) on lamb's weight at different ages. The heritability estimates of lamb's weight obtained by most favorable model (without and with sex-linked genetic effects for pre and post-weaning weight, respectively) were low to medium and ranged from 0.08 to 0.22 for autosomal, 0.01 to 0.14 for sexlinked and 0.04 to 0.20 for maternal additive genetic effects. The estimates of autosomal, sex-linked and maternal genetic correlations of lamb's weight at different ages were medium to high. In conclusion, lamb's weight at different ages can be improved by farm management practices and improving environmental factors. Genetic analysis using linear models which able to estimate breeding values in autosomal, sex-linked and maternal separately, could make a more effective genetic selection to improve growth traits in lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data set used in this study contained 8793 records of lamb's longevity (days) from 320 sires and 2349 dams collected during 1989 to 2014, from the Lori-Bakhtiari flock at Shooli station in Shahrekord, Iran. Genetic parameters (partitioned into autosomal, sex-linked and maternal) and breeding values of cumulative lamb's longevity from birth up to yearling age (at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood procedure. The results showed that the overall mean of the cumulative longevity of lamb up to yearling (12 months of age) was 295.87 days. The effect of fixed factors; year and month of birth, sex of lamb, age of dam, lamb birth weight as quadratic covariate and dam body weight as linear covariate were significant (P<0.05) on lamb's longevity. The heritability estimates of lamb's longevity were low and ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 for autosomal, 0.01 for sex-linked and 0.02 to 0.03 for maternal additive genetic effects. The estimates of autosomal, sex-linked and maternal genetic correlations of lamb's longevity in different ages were high. The pearson and spearman correlation coefficients between autosomal breeding values and sex-linked breeding values in lamb's longevity at different ages were 0.15 to 0.46 and 0.11 to 0.43 respectively. Thus, lamb's longevity up to yearling can be improved by farm management practices and improving environmental factors at first. Genetic analysis using linear models which able to estimate breeding values in direct (autosomal and sex-linked chromosomes separately) and maternal effects, could be more effective to improve longevity in lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality characteristics of bread produced by yeasts and lactobacillus isolated from native Iranian sourdough. Initially for the preparation sourdough, fresh microbial cells with certain number of colonies, by centrifugation were isolated of initial culturing bacteria and yeasts. Then equivalent 10% weight flour, microbial cells mixed with equal amounts of water and flour. After processing identical samples to assess the quality characteristics of bread used of sensory evaluation test, image processing and Texture analysis. The experiments in a completely randomized design and completely randomized block with three replications were performed. The results showed that the samples significant effect on the quality characteristics. The results indicate that sourdough can be increasing the porosity of the sample So that e treat with 42 percent had the highest degree of porosity also sourdough delaying staling. According to the results from this study, treatment of Lactobacillus reuteri and Saccharomyces cerevisiae had best Sensory evaluation, porosity and texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study phenotypic and genetic factors affecting the reproductive efficiency of Lori-Bakhtiari ewes were determined using 8202 reproductive records of 2478 ewes collected at Shooli research station in the southwestern part of Iran (Shahrekord) during 1989 to 2012. Reproductive efficiency over all consecutive lambing opportunities were calculated by adding the total reproductive efficiency traits per ewe joined for all of the parturition opportunities. Reproductive traits included in the current study were: number of parity (NP), total number of lambs born (TNLB), total number of lambs weaned (TNLW), total of lambs birth weight (TLBW), total of lambs weaning weight (TLWW), total of lambs weaning weight per kg ewe body weight (TLWW/EBW) and total of lambs weaning weight per kg metabolic ewe body weight (TLWW/MEBW). The data set analyzed with multi-trait animal model included the fixed effects of birth year of ewe, number of parturition in ewe's lifetime, ewe body weight as covariate and random effects direct additive genetic and residual. The overall mean of NP, TNLB, TNLW, TLBW, TLWW, TLWW/EBW and TLWW/MEBW were 3.31, 3.31, 3.21, 16.51 kg, 87.31 kg, 1.51 and 4.16, respectively. The effect of non-genetic factors were significant for all investigated traits in this study (P<0.01). The heritability estimates were medium (0.30) for NP and low (0.08 to 0.11) for other reproductive efficiency traits. The estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations between the traits were high (0.72 to 0.99) or medium to high (0.57 to 0.99). Thus, improving environmental effects could make significant improvements in reproductive efficiency traits at first. The low to medium heritability estimate and high genetic correlations obtained between reproductive efficiency traits in ewe's lifetime and high phenotypic standard deviation from them indicated that improvement by selection of all of traits, especially NP can be improved TLWW as net reproductive efficiency trait in Lori-Bakhtiari ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to collect comprehensive identification about Markhoz goat population and to simulate past dynamics of the population under its living conditions. Census data of the population size and the required parameters for the simulation model were obtained from published data or were collected in its habitat in the last 3 years. In this study, past population dynamics and expected loss of genetic diversity in the population were simulated by population viability analysis (PVA) using Vortex modeling program version 10.0. Markhoz breeding goats and population size showed a downward trend on its own habitat. The last known number of breeding does, bucks and total population of the Markhoz goat breed on its habitat were 917, 55 and 1669 heads in 2012. Computed and simulated inbreeding rates (ΔF) were 2.4% and 3.9%, respectively. Simulated Ne for this population was 128 which are near to critical size of 100. Furthermore, the extinction probability (EP) of 0%, stochastic growth rate of -0.1624, losing genetic diversity of 5% and inbreeding of 0.0311 were simulated using the PVA for a past time horizon( from 1996 to 2012). Having considered different parameters and threats with the reliable values and probabilities, PVA model simulated correctly the past period of population dynamics. Based on our findings, 1) future viability and the expected loss of diversity should be estimated under obtained demographic and environmental parameters. 2) different management scenarios should be examined to provide a conservation program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data set employed in this study was comprised of a number of 6,800 records of lamb's longevity and their survival rate, collected from 1989 through 2009, from the Lori- Bakhtiari experimental flock at the Shooli Station in Shahrekord, Iran. The data were analyzed using linear models and proportional hazard models with Weibull function. These models included fixed factors and direct additive genetic, maternal additive genetic, maternal common environmental and residual random effects. Genetic parameters were estimated using Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) procedure fitting a sire model as well as animal models including different combinations of direct and maternal effects. Estimates of direct heritabilities of longevity and survival rate from different linear models were low (0.01 to 0.09). The maternal heritability ranged from 0.00 to 0.04, and decreaced with increase in the age of lambs. The estimates of heritability in logarithmic scale, original scale and effective heritability obtained from the sire and animal models with Weibull function were medium to high (0.08 to 0.55) and were higher than those estimated through different linear models. The maternal heritability estimated through Weibull models decreased with the age of lambs (0.25 to 0.01). These results indicated that the accuracy of the Estimated Breeding Values (EBV) of lambs' survival rate from birth up to yearling age, using linear animal models vs. proportional hazard models, would be low vs. medium to high, respectively. Both animal and maternal genetic effects should be considered in the models for improving the survival rate up to 4 months of ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study 71 head of conceiving ewe and their progeny (91 head) from the flock of Lori-Bakhtiari sheep (360 head), in Sholi Station were randomly selected to determine the relationship between the immunoglobulin (IgG) concentration in the ewe's serum and colostrum, and lamb's serum. Ewe blood sample, colostrum of ewe and blood of the lamb was taken 2 weeks before parturition, 1 to 8 hours after parturition and 36 hours after birth of lamb, respectively. The serum of samples was extracted and then IgG (mg/mL) was measured in samples based on single radial immunodiffusion test and total serum protein (gr/L) based on quantitative zinc sulfate turbidity method. Results showed that the overall mean of IgG were 21.33, 48.48 and 7.86 mg/mL for blood serum of ewe, serum colostrum of ewe and blood serum of the lamb and total serum protein were 71.98, 114.48 and 65.77 g/L, respectively. The effects of age of ewe, type of parturition, gender of lamb, body condition score and body weight of ewe on considered immunity traits were not significant (P>0.05). The correlation coefficients between IgG in serum of blood and serum of colostrum in ewe and serum of blood in lamb were medium to high (0.35 to 0.75) and significant (P<0.05). The regression coefficients of IgG concentration in lamb's serum on values in ewe's serum at 2 weeks before parturition was highly significant (P<0.01) and shows that IgG content in lamb's serum increase by 0.18 units per increasing one unit in IgG content in ewe's serum. Therefore, the level of IgG in lamb's serum could be affected by the IgG concentrations in ewe's serum and colostrum. Also, the level of IgG in lamb's serum could be enhanced by improving the level of IgG concentration in ewe's serum at two weeks before lambing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study 495 smallholder dairy farms in 52 villages of different township in southwestern province of Iran (Chaharmohal and Bakhtiari province) included 1321 lactating cows and 2811 total mature cows (lactating and dry) during winter 2009 to summer 2010 were used to estimate economic opportunities in smallholder dairy farms. Questionnaire survey was used to collect data from last year information, recorded information, direct recording during visit the farm and interview with the small holder farmers. The economic opportunity is the amount of additional revenue that could be obtained if farmers could improve various productivity indexes to meet reasonable targets. The total of economic opportunities per farm per year estimated as 2009.68 US $ included 1354.85 US $ (57.94% total) for average daily milk produce per cow, 475.52 US $ (26.07% total) for average lactation length, 75.04 US $ (4.00% total) for average age at first calving, 37.52 US $ (8.98% total) for average calf production interval and 66.75 US $ (3.00% total) for average calf mortality, respectively. The considerable variation observed for economic opportunities, percent of total and total of economic opportunities in different townships, seasons, breeds and size of herds. Thus, increasing the average daily milk production per cow and average lactation length, as well as decreasing average age at first calving and average calf production interval could affect profit and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Langenbecks Archiv fuer Chirurgie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This review article delves into the intricate relationship between levan, a versatile polysaccharide, and its role in enhancing plant resistance against pathogens. By exploring the potential applications of levan in agriculture and biotechnology, such as crop protection, stress tolerance enhancement, and biotechnological innovations, significant advancements in sustainable agriculture are uncovered. Despite challenges in optimizing application methods and addressing regulatory hurdles, understanding the mechanisms of levan-mediated plant immunity offers promising avenues for future research. This review underscores the implications of utilizing levan to develop eco-friendly solutions, reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Ultimately, by unraveling the pivotal role of levan in plant-pathogen interactions, this review sets the stage for transformative innovations in agriculture and highlights the path towards a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest No conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Biofilm-mediated osteomyelitis presents significant therapeutic challenges. Given the limitations of existing osteomyelitis treatment approaches, there is a distinct need to develop a localized drug delivery system that is biocompatible, biodegradable, and capable of controlled antibiotic release. Multivesicular liposomes (MVLs), characterized by their non-concentric vesicular structure, distinct composition, and enhanced stability, serve as the system for a robust sustained-release drug delivery platform. In this study, various hydrogel formulations composed of poloxamer 407 and other hydrogels, incorporating vancomycin hydrochloride (VAN HL)-loaded MVLs (VAN HL-MVLs), were prepared and evaluated. The optimized VAN HL-MVL sol-gel system, consisting of poloxamer 407 and hyaluronic acid, successfully maintained drug release for up to 3 weeks and exhibited shear-thinning behavior at 37°C. While complete drug release from MVLs alone took place in 312 h, the hydrogel formulation extended this release to 504 h. The released drug effectively inhibited the Staphylococcus aureus biofilms growth within 24 h and methicillin-resistant S. aureus biofilms within 72 h. It also eradicated preformed biofilms of S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus in 96 and 120 h, respectively. This injectable in situ gel system incorporating VAN HL-MVLs holds potential as an alternative to undergoing multiple surgeries for osteomyelitis treatment and warrants further studies., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Applied Microbiology International.)