Endogenous retrovirus ERV-DC8 highly integrated in domestic cat populations is a replication-competent provirus.

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections in vertebrate genomes and are inherited by offspring. ERVs can produce pathogenic viruses through gene mutations or recombination. ERVs in domestic cats (ERV-DCs) generate feline leukemia virus subgroup D (FeLV-D) through viral recombination.

Prevalence of growth hormone receptor gene polymorphisms and their association with milk production and fertility-related traits of cross-bred dairy cows in Sri Lanka.

This study investigated the association of selected growth hormone receptor () gene SNPs with selected fertility and milk production-related phenotypes of cross-bred dairy cows ( = 153) reared on three National Livestock Development Board farms in Sri Lanka. Selected cows were genetically screened for SNPs in the exon 08 ( = 153) and 5' upstream ( = 118) regions of the gene using the target sequencing method. The relationships between different genotypes and fertility traits (average calving interval, average number of services per conception, and age at first calving) and milk production-related traits (average total lactation yield, average lactation length, and average milk yield) were analyzed using the General Linear Model in SPSS.

Effect of and gene polymorphisms on fertility traits and milk yield of cross-bred dairy cows in Sri Lanka.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of fertility genes will be useful in improving the genetic potential of dairy cows. A population of 142 cross-bred dairy cows was screened for SNPs in bovine luteinizing hormone choriogonadotropin receptor and bovine follicle stimulating hormone receptor genes. The effect of reported SNPs on selected fertility traits (average calving interval, average number of services per conception and age at first calving) and milk yield was determined.

Subclinical mastitis in dairy cows in major milk-producing areas of Sri Lanka: Prevalence, associated risk factors, and effects on reproduction.

Compared with clinical mastitis, the subclinical form of mastitis (SCM) is more common and thought to cause more economic losses to the dairy industry. The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors of SCM, and effects on reproduction of dairy cows in major milk-producing areas of Sri Lanka. A total of 1,357 cows of selected farms in 3 regions were examined in the study.

Alzheimer's disease; a review of the pathophysiological basis and therapeutic interventions.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and is identified as the most common cause for dementia. Despite huge global economic burden and the impact on the close family of the patients, there is no definitive cure and thus, improved treatment methods are of need. While memory and cognition are severely affected in AD, exact etiology is yet unknown.