Potential of Circulating miRNA Biomarkers and Exosomes for Early Pregnancy Diagnoses in Cattle.

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) were investigated as biomarkers for the diagnosis of early pregnancy in cattle. The levels of prospective miRNA biomarkers and the features of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the blood were evaluated. In Study 1, plasma samples from cows 21 days after artificial insemination (AI) were examined using RT-qPCR to determine the levels of seven circulating miRNAs.

Analysis of circulating microRNA during early gestation in Japanese black cattle.

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been used as biomarkers for various diseases and physiological conditions in humans and mice; studies in domestic animals, particularly cattle, are limited. The importance of early pregnancy diagnosis (especially within the 21-d cow estrous cycle) in the livestock industry is extremely high. This study compared the circulating miRNAs in bred non-pregnant and pregnant Japanese Black cows, explored miRNAs as biomarkers for early pregnancy diagnosis, and established a measurement system that included selecting an appropriate reference miRNA and determining the effect of hemolysis on miRNA quantification in plasma.

Effect of hearing aids on body balance function in non-reverberant condition: A posturographic study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hearing aids on body balance function in a strictly controlled auditory environment.

Methods: We recorded the findings of 10 experienced hearing aid users and 10 normal-hearing participants. All the participants were assessed using posturography under eight conditions in an acoustically shielded non-reverberant room: (1) eyes open with sound stimuli, with and without foam rubber, (2) eyes closed with sound stimuli, with and without foam rubber, (3) eyes open without sound stimuli, with and without foam rubber, and (4) eyes closed without sound stimuli, with and without foam rubber.

Changes of brain monoamine levels and physiological indexes during heat acclimation in rats.

Brain monoamines, such as noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT), regulate many important physiological functions including thermoregulation. The purpose of this study was to clarify changes in NA, DA, and 5-HT levels in several brain regions in response to heat acclimation while also recording body temperature (Tb), heart rate (HR), and locomotor activity (Act). Rats were exposed to a heated environment (32°C) for 3h (3H), 1 day (1D), 7 days, 14 days (14D), 21 days, or 28 days (28D).

Influence of circadian disruption on neurotransmitter levels, physiological indexes, and behaviour in rats.

Brain monoamines - such as noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) - regulate several important physiological functions, including the circadian rhythm. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in NA, DA and 5-HT levels in various brain regions and their effect on core body temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR) and locomotor activity (Act) in rats following exposure to an artificial light/dark (LD) cycle. For this, male Wistar rats were housed at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 23 °C and 50% relative humidity with free access to food and water.