Solutions to the fertility equation in beef embryo recipients.

In beef cattle operations that conduct embryo transfer, the overall success depends on the pregnancy outcome that results from every pregnancy opportunity. In this review, we dissected the main components that determine if a recipient will sustain the pregnancy after embryo transfer up to calving. Specifically, we describe the effect of the uterus on its ability to provide a receptive environment for embryo development.

Targeting Myeloid Differentiation Primary Response Protein 88 (MyD88) and Galectin-3 to Develop Broad-Spectrum Host-Mediated Therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2.

Nearly six million people worldwide have died from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Although COVID-19 vaccines are largely successful in reducing the severity of the disease and deaths, the decline in vaccine-induced immunity over time and the continuing emergence of new viral variants or mutations underscore the need for an alternative strategy for developing broad-spectrum host-mediated therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2. A key feature of severe COVID-19 is dysregulated innate immune signaling, culminating in a high expression of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and a lack of antiviral interferons (IFNs), particularly type I (alpha and beta) and type III (lambda).

Effects of monensin and cashew nut-shell extract on bacterial community composition in a dual-flow continuous culture system.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of including monensin and two doses of CNSE in a high producing dairy cow diet on ruminal bacterial communities. A dual-flow continuous culture system was used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin Square design. A basal diet was formulated to meet the requirements of a cow producing 45 kg of milk per d (17% crude protein and 27% starch).

Protective Effects of Gnetin C from Melinjo Seed Extract against High-Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis and Liver Fibrosis in NAFLD Mice Model.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common form of chronic liver disease, can progress to hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and advanced fibrosis, increasing the risk of cirrhosis. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is beneficial in treating multiple metabolic diseases. Gnetin C, a resveratrol derivative obtained from Melinjo seed extract (MSE), shares similar health-promoting properties.

Geranylgeraniol Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in Mouse-Derived MG6 Microglial Cells via NF-κB Signaling Modulation.

Persistent inflammatory reactions in microglial cells are strongly associated with neurodegenerative pathogenesis. Additionally, geranylgeraniol (GGOH), a plant-derived isoprenoid, has been found to improve inflammatory conditions in several animal models. It has also been observed that its chemical structure is similar to that of the side chain of menaquinone-4, which is a vitamin K sub-type that suppresses inflammation in mouse-derived microglial cells.

The Role of Vitamin K in Cholestatic Liver Disease.

Vitamin K (VK) is a ligand of the pregnane X receptor (PXR), which plays a critical role in the detoxification of xenobiotics and metabolism of bile acids. VK may reduce the risk of death in patients with chronic liver failure. VK deficiency is associated with intrahepatic cholestasis, and is already being used as a drug for cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis in China.

Fermented Rice Bran Supplementation Prevents the Development of Intestinal Fibrosis Due to DSS-Induced Inflammation in Mice.

Fermented rice bran (FRB) is known to protect mice intestines against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced inflammation; however, the restoration of post-colitis intestinal homeostasis using FRB supplementation is currently undocumented. In this study, we observed the effects of dietary FRB supplementation on intestinal restoration and the development of fibrosis after DSS-induced colitis. DSS (1.

Effect of Vitamin K-Mediated PXR Activation on Drug-Metabolizing Gene Expression in Human Intestinal Carcinoma LS180 Cell Line.

The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is the key regulator of our defense mechanism against foreign substances such as drugs, dietary nutrients, or environmental pollutants. Because of increased health consciousness, the use of dietary supplements has gradually increased, and most of them can activate PXR. Therefore, an analysis of the interaction between drugs and nutrients is important because altered levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes or transporters can remarkably affect the efficiency of a co-administered drug.

Meta-analysis of effects of inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri, with or without other bacteria, on silage fermentation, aerobic stability, and performance of dairy cows.

A meta-analysis of 158 peer-reviewed articles was conducted to examine effects of inoculation with Lactobacillus buchneri (LB)-based inoculants (LBB) that did or did not include homolactic or obligate heterolactic bacteria on silage fermentation and aerobic stability. A complementary meta-analysis of 12 articles examined LBB inoculation effects on dairy cow performance. Raw mean differences between inoculant and control treatment means weighted by inverse variance were compared with a hierarchical effects model that included robust variance estimation.

-allyl Cysteine Enhances Testosterone Production in Mice and Mouse Testis-Derived I-10 Cells.

Hypogonadism, associated with low levels of testosterone synthesis, has been implicated in several diseases. Recently, the quest for natural alternatives to prevent and treat hypogonadism has gained increasing research interest. To this end, the present study explored the effect of -allyl cysteine (SAC), a characteristic organosulfur compound in aged-garlic extract, on testosterone production.

Use of a Fluorescent Analog of Glucose (2-NBDG) To Identify Uncultured Rumen Bacteria That Take Up Glucose.

Few characteristics are more important to a bacterium than the substrates it consumes. It is hard to identify what substrates are consumed by bacteria in natural communities, however, because most bacteria have not been cultured. In this study, we developed a method that uses fluorescent substrate analogs, cell sorting, and DNA sequencing to identify substrates taken up by bacteria.

Effects of Vitamin K₂ on the Expression of Genes Involved in Bile Acid Synthesis and Glucose Homeostasis in Mice with Humanized PXR.

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a nuclear receptor activated by various compounds, including prescribed drugs and dietary ingredients. Ligand-specific activation of PXR alters drug metabolism and affects many other physiological conditions. Species-specific ligand preference is a considerable challenge for studies of PXR function.

Fluoroquinolone resistance mechanisms of Shigella flexneri isolated in Bangladesh.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and mechanisms of fluoroquinolone resistance in Shigella species isolated in Bangladesh and to compare with similar strains isolated in China.

Methods: A total of 3789 Shigella isolates collected from Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of icddr,b, during 2004-2010 were analyzed for antibiotic susceptibility. Analysis of plasmids, plasmid-mediated quinolone-resistance genes, PFGE, and sequencing of genes of the quinolone-resistance-determining regions (QRDR) were conducted in representative strains isolated in Bangladesh and compared with strains isolated in Zhengding, China.

International perspectives on impacts of reproductive technologies for world food production in Asia associated with poultry production.

Poultry meat and eggs are valuable sources of dietary protein in almost every country in the world. A number of breeding techniques, methods, and technology have been applied to obtain maximum production under different environmental and economic conditions. Indigenous and local breeds share 90 % of the total population of poultry in many developing countries in Asia.

Fatty acid composition of ruminal bacteria and protozoa, and effect of defaunation on fatty acid profile in the rumen with special reference to conjugated linoleic acid in cattle.

Objectives of this study were to compare fatty acid (FA) composition of ruminal bacterial (B) and protozoal (P) cells, and to investigate effect of protozoa on FA profile in the rumen of cattle. Three cows were used to prepare ruminal B and P cells. Four faunated and three defaunated cattle (half-siblings) were used to study effect of protozoa on ruminal FA profile.