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The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of spraying fertile eggs of Dandarawi chicken local strain with natural white vinegar solution (NWVS) on embryonic development, physiological parameters, hatchability, post-hatch chick growth and bacterial quantity on eggshell surface. Four hundred and fifty hatching eggs of Dandarawi chicken local strain were randomly distributed into five groups of 90 eggs each. Eggs of the 1 st group were served as a control (non-treated eggs). The 2 nd group was sprayed with water as a vehicle (positive control). Eggs of the 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th groups were sprayed with three concentrations of vinegar: 1.25, 2.5 and 5%, respectively. Results showed that embryo weight, embryonic and shank lengths as well as, chick body weight, chick and shank lengths and hatchability tended to be Significantly higher (P<0.05) in eggs treated with natural white vinegar solution when compared with control eggs. While albumen weight ratio, egg shell thickness, egg weight loss ratio at 18 th day of development, embryonic mortality and hatch time were significantly (P<0.05) decreased in eggs sprayed with natural white vinegar solution when compared with control eggs. Blood constituents: RBCs, Hb and PCV%, plasma total protein, albumin, total lipids, P, Ca and T4, GH hormones were significantly increased (p<0.05), while plasma cholesterol and glucose were decreased. There was no effect on WBCs count compared to control. Internal organs of chicks at hatch and growth performance of chicks at 14 th days of age recorded significant higher values and improved feed conversion in response to spraying with natural white vinegar solution but yolk residual of chicks at hatch was less than control group. The use of natural white vinegar solution had significant influence on TBC and T. StaPhly. C.on egg shell surface either at one week or after two weeks of incubation compared to control groups. These results indicated that spraying fertile eggs of chicken (pre-incubation) with natural white vinegar solution as natural disinfectants is a good way to improve embryonic development, blood constituents, hormones, hatchability and performance of chicks.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains one of the major complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Several etiological factors were investigated. Among these, vitamin D and hence its receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms have gained much interest; however, the results are still controversial. Using PCR-RFLP, we genotyped VDR polymorphisms FokI (rs10735810), ApaI (rs7975232), and Taq1 (rs731236) in 80 patient/donor pairs according to DNA availability. No association was encountered between VDR polymorphisms and GVHD. Neither was there any impact on survival. Only grade II-IV acute GVHD was associated with inferior overall (p = .01), but not disease-free survival. The controversy between our results and the literature may be attributed to marked variability in the relative distribution of VDR genotypes in different populations. Also different environmental factors, including exposure to sun, may ensure vitamin D sufficiency nullifying the impact of VDR polymorphisms.

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Background The Japanese quail is considered one of the most significant species in the poultry industry. However, the high male-to-female ratio results in the aggressive behavior of males. Dietary strategies that improve the properties of semen could reduce the number of males required to maintain optimal fertility and reduce aggressive behavior. Therefore, this study aims to provide insight into the possible improving efm fect of ginger roots on the reproductive aspects of Japanese male quails. Results To achieve this objective, powder of Ginger roots was administrated to 2 groups of quails (10, and 15 g/Kg feed) from 7 days until 70 days of age. Some males were reared singly in cages (n = 40 for each group) to assess sperm quality and other males (n = 32 for each group) were raised with females to assess fertility and sperm-egg penetration. Additionally, biochemical tests and histological examination were also performed. When compared to the control group, dietary inclusion of Ginger at a dose of 15 g caused more improvement in ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, motility, viability and sperm-egg penetration. Whereas, the motility and fertility percentages of sperms were equipotent in both doses. Dose-dependent increases were found in the cloacal gland area and volume, as well as foam production and weight. Both doses resulted in a significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol along with an elevation cin plasma testosterone and lipid peroxides. The comparison between all groups concerning nitric oxide, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity revealed the absence of significant difference. Morphologically, the diameter of the seminiferous tubules and the height of germinal epithelium significantly increased especially in the higher dose of Ginger. Conclusions Ginger roots especially at a dose of 15 gm/kg feed was effective in improving male reproductive performance. These findings are of utmost importance in encouraging the addition of Ginger roots in ration formulation in male quails.