Analysis of prion protein coding gene polymorphisms in palestinian native sheep breeds [Filistin yerli koyun ırklarında prion protein kodlama geni polimorfizmlerinin analizi]

2-s2.0-85077080786Prion protein coding gene (PRNP) is the genetic locus correlated with the greatest impact on classical scrapie susceptibility in sheep. At codons 136, 154, and 171 of PRNP alanine/arginine/glutamine (ARQ) and valine/arginine/glutamine (VRQ) haplotypes, in turn, are related to susceptibility to classical scrapie while alanine/arginine/arginine ARR haplotype is correlated with resistance. The aim of the present study was to genotype the Palestinian native sheep breeds for detection of genetic resistance. A total of 38 healthy sheep from Awassi and Assaf breeds were randomly sampled. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples. After PCR amplification and DNA sequencing, ARQ, ARR, ARH, AHQ, ARL and VRQ alleles and ARR/ARQ, ARQ/ARQ, ARQ/ARL, ARH/ARQ, ARH/ARL, AHQ/ARQ and ARQ/VRQ genotypes were detected in PRNP gene. ARQ allele was found as a predominant allele in this study with the frequency of 0.76 for Awassi and Assaf breeds while the uncommon allele ARL was identified at low frequencies in both breeds. In addition, two different polymorphisms were recognized (V12I and L23H) at different codons of PRNP. Results have indicated that most of the genotypes belong to risk group 3. The careful dissemination of ARR/ARR sheep is suggested to increase resistant allele frequencies in Assaf and Awassi breeds. © 2019, Chartered Inst. of Building Services Engineers. All rights reserved.Ege Ãœniversitesi Firat University Scientific Research Projects Management Unit, FÃœBAP: 2016-FEN-013Scientific Research Projects of Ege University with a project number 2016-FEN-013. 10th International Animal Science Conference, 26-28 October 2018, Antalya, Turkey.This study is the master thesis of the first author and was supported by Scientific Research Projects of Ege University with a project number 2016-FEN-013. The summary of this research was presented in 10th International Animal Science Conference, 26-28 October 2018, Antalya, Turkey

Molecular characterization of cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) gene and frequency of blood types in stray cats of İzmir, Turkey

PubMed: 338748952-s2.0-85104670002Background: Cytidine monophospho-n-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) gene associated with blood groups in cats encodes CMAH enzyme that converts Neu5Ac to Neu5Gc. Although variations in CMAH gene of pedigree cats have been revealed, the presence/lack of them in non-pedigree stray cats is unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the variations in CMAH gene and the quantity of Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc on erythrocytes of non-pedigree stray cats (n:12) living in İzmir, Turkey. Also, the frequency of blood types was determined in 76 stray cats including 12 cats that were used for CMAH and Neu5A/Neu5Gc analysis. Results: In total, 14 SNPs were detected in 5’UTR as well as in exon 2, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of CMAH gene. Among these SNPs, -495 C > T in 5’UTR was detected for the first time as heterozygous in type A and AB cats, and homozygous and heterozygous in type B cats. The remaining 13 that have been detected in previous studies were also found as homozygous or heterozygous. Both Neu5Gc and Neu5Ac were detected in type A and AB cats. In type B cats, only Neu5Ac was detected. Among two type AB cats, the level of Neu5Ac was found higher in cat carrying heterozygous form (T/C) of 1392T > C. The prevalence of type B cats (67.1 %) was higher than others. Conclusions: The presence of a new SNP as well as previous SNPs indicates that more variations can be found in stray cats with a more comprehensive study in the future. Also, the high prevalence of type B cats demonstrates the possible risk of neonatal isoerythrolysis among stray cats living in İzmir, Turkey. © 2021, The Author(s).218Z105 Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştirma Kurumu, TÜBITAKThis study was supported by a project given by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) (Project number: 218Z105) to C.Ü. The funding bodies played no role in the design of the study and collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing the manuscript

Importance of screening severe COVID-19 patients for IFN-λ1, IL-6 and anti-S1 IgG levels

Cytokine storm is an important cause of death in COVID-19 patients. A recent clinical study showed that administration of recombinant interferon lambda 1 (IFN-λ1 or IL-29) may prevent severe COVID-19. On the other hand, IL-6 has been associated as a prognostic marker of worsening for COVID-19 patients. The objective of this study is to screen IFN-λ1, IL-6 and antibody levels in consecutive serum sample sets of COVID-19 patients. A total of 365 serum samples collected from 208 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were analyzed for IFN-λ1 and IL-6 levels as well as SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies and anti-S1 IgG antibodies. Analyses of serum samples for cytokine levels showed that IFN-λ1 (>8 pg/mL) and IL-6 (>2 pg/mL) were detected in approximately 64% and 21% patients, respectively. A decrement in IFN-λ1 levels and IL-6 levels above 35 pg/mL can be sign of clinical severity and upcoming dead. An increment in IL-6 levels wasn't detected in every COVID-19 patient but a decrement in IL-6 levels was related to clinical improvement. Importantly, the detection of IFN-λ1 level together with an increase in anti-S1 IgG antibody response were observed in clinically improved patients. Screening severe COVID-19 patients for IFN-λ1, IL-6, and anti-S1 IgG antibody levels during their hospital stay especially in intensive care units may be beneficial to monitor the clinical status and management of treatment strategies. Importantly, detection of IFN-λ1 together with protective IgG antibody response can be an indication of clinical improvement in severe COVID-19 patients and these patients may be discharged from the hospital soon. © 2023 Elsevier LtdThis study was partly supported by the grant from The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK; https://www.tubitak.gov.tr/) (Grant No: 18AG020) to EK and ŞT. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. We sincerely appreciate the encouragement and support from Prof. Hasan Mandal.Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, TÜBİTAK: 18AG02

Mitotyping of random bred cats and pure breed cats (Turkish Angora and Turkish Van) using non-repetitive mitochondrial DNA control region

The Fertile Crescent appears to be the most plausible region where the domestication of cats commenced through a mutually beneficial relationship between wild cats and early agrarian societies. These domesticated cats then journeyed across the globe mirroring the paths of human migration. An examination of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region-based mitotyping suggested that a significant majority, exceeding 80%, of globally sampled random-bred and pure-bred cats could be categorized into 12 predominant mitotypes. However, the extent of mitotype diversity within random-bred cats from regions proximate to the Fertile Crescent remains inadequately explored. In light of this we aimed to investigate the mitotype diversity in random bred cats sampled from various regions across Turkey. Additionally, we sought to establish a comparison with the mitotype profiles of locally recognized pure breeds, namely the Turkish Angora and Turkish Van. To unravel their evolutionary narratives, we engaged in comprehensive population genetics analyses at both the individual and mitotype-based levels. Our study encompassed a sample size of 240 specimens, forming the basis for both mitotyping and population genetics scrutiny. Our analysis yielded the identification of nine ‘universal’ mitotypes (A—J), alongside an ‘outlier’ mitotype group I. Notably mitotypes A and D emerged as particularly prevalent in contrast to the lesser occurrence mitotypes C, G, and H. With the realm of random bred cats the structure of haplotypes exhibited remarkable diversity presenting distinctions from Turkish Angora and Van breeds. Nucleotide diversity was higher compared to previous reports from Turkey and was one of the highest among reported world cat population estimates. Intriguingly, our investigations did not unveil any pronounced instances of strong selection, population expansions or contractions within any specific population or mitotype. To conclude, our study represents a pioneering effort in uncovering the mitotype profiles and haplotype structures inherent to both random-bred and pure breed cats in Turkey. This endeavor not only broadens our understanding of the feline genetic landscape within the region but also lays the foundation for future inquiries into the evolutionary trajectories and genetic legacies of these feline populations. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.This study was partially supported by a project given by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) (Project number: 218Z105) and another project given by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) (Project number: 114O768). The funding bodies played no role in the design of the study and collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing the manuscript.Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, TÜBİTAK: 114O768, 218Z10

Molecular prevalence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in stray cats of İzmir, Türkiye

The phylum Microsporidia contains obligate single celled parasites that can infect many vertebrate hosts including humans. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is considered as the most diagnosed species in humans. E. bieneusi has also been detected in many animals such as cats, dogs and cattle. Among these animals, cats are carriers of type D and IV which are the most common human pathogenic genotypes of E. bieneusi. In Türkiye, the prevalence of E. bieneusi in stray cats is not well known. Therefore, in this study, the molecular prevalence of E. bieneusi in stray cats (n = 339) was determined by Real-Time PCR targeting ribosomal DNA ITS (internal transcribed spacer) region of E. bieneusi. Initially, the analytical sensitivity of Real-Time PCR was determined by a plasmid control and then E. bieneusi DNA was investigated in fecal samples of stray cats. The results showed that the analytical sensitivity of Real-Time PCR targeting ITS region of E. bieneusi was ≤1 copy plasmid/reaction. Analysis of fecal samples revealed that the molecular prevalence of E. bieneusi was 50.15% (170/339). Overall, these results showed that the Real-Time PCR successfully detected E. bieneusi in cat's fecal samples and stray cats can be an important source for transmission of E. bieneusi to humans and other animals. © 2023 Elsevier Lt

Cryptosporidiosis outbreak on a dairy farm: Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum as a causative agent in the water source

Diarrhea caused by parasitic agents is common in neonatal calves and leads to significant economic losses in cattle farms worldwide. Cryptosporidium spp. is one of the most frequently detected parasitic agents causing diarrhea in neonatal calves. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. on a dairy farm which a has major diarrhea problem. Samples were collected from calves, cows, drinking bowls, and two different artesian water sources, as well as from the environment. All fecal samples were investigated using Kinyoun acid-fast stained slides and real-time PCR targeting the Cryptosporidium spp. COWP gene. In addition, species identification was performed by nested PCR targeting the Cryptosporidium spp. COWP gene and sequencing. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 11 calves (30.55%; 11/36) by real-time PCR and the cows were negative. Among real-time PCR positive samples, only five were also found positive by microscopy. Moreover, Cryptosporidium spp. was found in one of the two artesian water sources and five environmental samples by real-time PCR. Among these positive samples, eight were sequenced. According to the RFLP pattern, BLAST and, phylogenetic analyses, all sequenced samples were Cryptosporidium parvum. These findings show the importance of C. parvum as a cause of calf diarrhea on dairy farms.Ege University Research Fund [TGA 020-20850]All experiments were performed under the instruc-tions and approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of Ege University for animal ethical norms (Permit number: 2019-047) . During the study, permission was obtained from the farm adminis-trative manager for collecting stool samples from calves and cows. This study was financially supported by Ege University Research Fund (Project No: TGA 020-20850) to Muhammet Karakavuk