Radionuclide transfer from feed to camel milk.

The transfer of (137)Cs, (85)Sr, (131)I, (210)Po, (210)Pb and (238)U from feed to camel's milk was investigated in a pilot experiment with three lactating camels. For a period of 60 days, the animals were fed on spiked feed containing the studied radionuclides. They were subsequently returned to a contamination-free diet and monitored for another 90 days. The activity concentrations of (137)Cs, (85)Sr and (131)I in milk decreased with time and reached background levels after 20 days. Equilibrium transfer coefficients and biological half-lives were estimated and transfer coefficients were calculated as (8.1 ± 3.6) × 10(-4), (4.4 ± 1.6) × 10(-2), (7.8 ± 3.9) × 10(-4), (2.7 ± 3.5) × 10(-4), (1.8 ± 1.5) × 10(-4) and (7.0 ± 3.6) × 10(-3) d L(-1) for (85)Sr, (131)I, (137)Cs, (210)Po, (210)Pb and (238)U, respectively. The biological half-lives were estimated to be 6.4, 4.2, 8.9, and 53.3 days for (85)Sr, (131)I, (137)Cs, and (238)U, respectively. Estimates of the half-lives were based on a one component model: it was found that the half-life values measured for artificial radionuclides were slightly shorter than those for natural radionuclides. The data obtained in the study are the first published experimental data on radionuclide transfer to camel milk.

Chaperonin GroEL a Brucella immunodominant antigen identified using Nanobody and MALDI-TOF-MS technologies.

The deployment of today's antibodies that are able to distinguish Brucella from the closely similar pathogens, such as Yersinia, is still considered a great challenge since both pathogens share identical LPS (lipopolysaccharide) O-ring epitopes. In addition, because of the great impact of Brucella on health and economy in many countries including Syria, much effort is going to the development of next generation vaccines, mainly on the identification of new immunogenic proteins of this pathogen. In this context, Brucella-specific nanobodies (Nbs), camel genetic engineered heavy-chain antibody fragments, could be of great value. Previously, a large Nb library was constructed from a camel immunized with heat-killed Brucella. Phage display panning of this 'immune' library with Brucella total lysate resulted in a remarkable fast enrichment for a Nb referred to as NbBruc02. In the present work, we investigated the main characteristics of this Nb that can efficiently distinguish under well-defined conditions the Brucella from other bacteria including Yersinia. NbBruc02 showed a strong and specific interaction with its antigen within the crude lysate as tested by a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor and it was also able to pull down its cognate antigen from such lysate by immuno-capturing. Using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), NbBruc02 specific antigen was identified as chaperonin GroEL, also known as heat shock protein of 60 kDa (HSP-60), which represents a Brucella immunodominant antigen responsible of maintaining proteins folding during stress conditions. Interestingly, the antigen recognition by NbBruc02 was found to be affected by the state of GroEL folding. Thus, the Nb technology applied in the field of infectious diseases, e.g. brucellosis, yields two outcomes: (1) it generates specific binders that can be used for diagnosis, and perhaps treatment, and (2) it identifies the immunogenic candidate antigens for developing vaccines.

Evaluation of a nanobody phage display library constructed from a Brucella-immunised camel.

Brucella are invasive gram-negative bacteria that multiply and survive within eukaryotic cells causing brucellosis. Syrian (and Middle East) health and economy sectors are still affected by this disease causing a serious national problem that needs to be solved. Here, a strategy was developed to introduce a new generation of binders, known as Nanobodies (Nbs) in our combat against Brucella. These Nbs, recombinant single-domain variable fragments derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies are very stable and highly soluble, making them a useful tool in numerous biotechnological and medical applications. In this work and without having access to purified antigens (Ags), a camel was immunised successfully with heat-killed Brucella melitensis strain Riv1 as demonstrated by the high titer of Ag-specific heavy-chain antibodies in the serum. Lymphocytes of the immunised camel were isolated and their Nb genes were cloned in a relatively large library of 10(8) individual transformants, of which 81% contained an insert with the proper size of a Nb gene. Phage display expression of the Nbs from this library and pannings on the Brucella lysate resulted in a clear enrichment of three distinct Nb-displaying phages (phage-Nbs), referred to as NbBruc01, 02 and 03, with specificity for Brucella. Producing these binders in a pure, soluble form, as well as identifying their specific targets, which are likely to be immunodominant Ags in Brucella, is expected to open wide perspectives for following the vaccination, diagnosis and treatment of brucellosis.

Characterization and evaluation of semen in growing Awassi ram lambs.

This study was conducted to determine when semen can be collected and to characterize and evaluate the semen collected from growing Awassi ram lambs. Semen was collected regularly once a week for 20 months, starting at 11 months of age, from 14 Awassi ram lambs of milk and meat lines that accepted the artificial vagina. After each collection, the semen was evaluated in terms of its appearance, ejaculate volume, progressive motility, spermatozoa concentration and density. There were significant effects (p < 0.01) for the age and weight of the lambs on ejaculate volume, progressive motility and spermatozoal concentration, while the types of birth and production line had no significant effects on these characteristics. Ejaculate volume and spermatozoal concentration increased significantly (p < 0.01) with age, despite monthly variations. Progressive motility was similar throughout the year. Average values for ejaculate volume, progressive motility and sperm concentration were 1.2 +/- 0.5 ml, 75 +/- 10% and (4.0 +/- 1.6) x 10(9) sperm/ml, respectively. The highest positive and significant correlations were found between the semen characteristics (r = 0.29-0.68). On the other hand, a negative and significant (p < 0.01) correlation (r = -0.66) was found between the spermiodensimeter readings and spermatozoal concentration, and the relationship could be represented by a linear equation Y = 7.85 - 0.07X +/- 0.37, where Y = expected concentration of sperm (units of 10(9) sperm/ml) and X = spermiodensimeter reading. However the modest correlation coefficient indicates that the accuracy and precision of the resulting predictions will not be high. It was concluded that semen can be collected with a good quality from growing Awassi ram lambs at 11 months of age.

Improving the reproductive efficiency, pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring the resumption of luteal activity in indigenous damascus goats.

Seventy-five female Damascus goats aged between 1.5 and 5.5 years were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intravaginal sponges and prostaglandin analogue on oestrous synchronization and fecundity; to diagnose pregnancy and to monitor the resumption of the luteal activity. Females were divided randomly, during the breeding season, into three equal groups, S, P and C. Females in group S were fitted with sponges containing 45 mg of flugestone acetate (FGA) for 14 days and injected with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) at the sponge withdrawal. Females in group P were given two injections of prostaglandin F2alpha analogue at 11-day intervals, whereas females in group C (control) received no treatment. The results showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in oestrous exhibition between females in group S as compared with those in groups P and C, with means being 30 +/- 10, 172 +/- 115 and 217 +/- 75 h for groups S, P and C, respectively. Kidding rates resulting from the first and all matings were 80 and 88, 52 and 88, and 68 and 80% for groups S, P and C, respectively. Fecundity rates were 215, 175 and 180% for groups S, P and C, respectively, with a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the S and both P and C groups. Using an ultrasound pregnancy detector performed on days 57 +/- 3 after mating, positive pregnancy diagnosis was 93.3% and 100% for non-pregnancy. Females in the control group showed functional corpus luteum starting in September. It is concluded that FGA sponges plus PMSG treatment could be successfully used to synchronize oestrus and improve fecundity; whereas prostaglandin treatment was not effective to synchronize oestrus. It is also concluded that pregnancy can be diagnosed accurately and successfully using an ultrasound pregnancy detector. In addition, ovarian activity in the Damascus goat in Syria resumes in September.

Development of testicular dimensions and size, and their relationship to age, body weight and parental size in growing Awassi ram lambs.

Ninety-six Awassi ram lambs, aged 2-3 months, raised and managed under a semi intensive system were used to measure development of testicular length, width, circumference and volume, and their association with development of body growth. The effects of parental size, age and body weight of lambs, production line (dairy or meat), type of birth and weight at birth and weaning on development of the four testicular parameters from weaning at 2-17 months of age were investigated. No significant differences were observed between measurements of the left and right testis. The highest increase in testicular parameters occurred between 7 and 10 months of age at 34.6kg live body weight. Only parental size, age and body weight affected testicular growth (P<0.05). Measurements of testes were correlated (P<0.01) with each other (r=0.68-0.97). They increased progressively and were correlated with body weight more than with age.

The action of trenbolone acetate, a synthetic anabolic steroid, on ovarian function in the guinea pig.

The action of trenbolone acetate, a synthetic anabolic steroid, on ovarian function was investigated in the guinea pig. Certain comparisons were made with testosterone, the naturally occurring androgen, administered as the phenylpropionate ester. Two milligrams trenbolone acetate per kg given subcutaneously on alternate days for 20 days blocked oestrous cyclicity and ovulation in 9 of 10 animals. A similar effect was shown by 2.2 mg of testosterone phenylpropionate. Treatment of trenbolone acetate-treated animals with exogenous gonadotrophins suggested that the production of follicle-stimulating hormone had been suppressed. Signs of abnormality were seen in the livers of animals receiving 2 mg trenbolone acetate and 2.2 mg testosterone phenylpropionate.