Comparison of Development and Antioxidative Ability in Fertilized Crossbred (Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc) Oocytes Using Duroc and Landrace Sperm.

Pig production through crossbreeding methods is a pillar of the swine industry; however, research on the fertilization ability of male pigs in crossbreeds is lacking. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of Duroc sperm (DS) and Landrace sperm (LS) on fertility in Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc (YLD) oocytes. Sperm were collected from the Duroc and Landrace species, and sperm characteristics, viability, and acrosome reactions were analyzed using flow cytometry.

DC. Regulates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation by Modulating -GlcNAc and MOF Expression.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) undergo metabolic pathway transitions, including aerobic glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and amino acid metabolism, which are important for their function. Metabolic dysfunction in VSMCs can lead to age-related vascular diseases. -GlcNAcylation, a nutrient-dependent posttranslational modification linked specifically to glucose metabolism, plays an important role in this context.

Magnolia kobus DC. suppresses neointimal hyperplasia by regulating ferroptosis and VSMC phenotypic switching in a carotid artery ligation mouse model.

Background: Magnolia kobus DC (MO), as a plant medicine, has been reported to have various physiological activities, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects. However, vascular protective effects of MO remain incompletely understood. In this study, we evaluated the vascular protective effect of MO against ferroptosis in a carotid artery ligation (CAL)-induced neointimal hyperplasia mouse model and in aortic thoracic smooth muscle A7r5 cells.

Structural comparison of substrate-binding pockets of serine β-lactamases in classes A, C, and D.

β-lactams have been the most successful antibiotics, but the rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria threatens their effectiveness. Serine β-lactamases (SBLs), among the most common causes of resistance, are classified as A, C, and D, with numerous variants complicating structural and substrate spectrum comparisons. This study compares representative SBLs of these classes, focusing on the substrate-binding pocket (SBP).

Inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore as a promising target for protecting auditory function in cisplatin-induced hearing loss.

mPTP is a multi-protein complex that opens in mitochondria during cell death. Cisplatin-induced hearing loss is also known to be caused by mPTP opening. Thus, our study evaluated the protective effect of a novel mPTP inhibitor named DBP-iPT against cisplatin-induced hearing loss.

Ecological drivers for the absence of task shifting in termite-tunneling activity: A simulation study.

Subterranean termites build complex underground tunnel networks to efficiently gather food. Empirical observations indicate specific individuals are dedicated to tunneling, rarely interchanging tasks. However, considering the limited tunneling energy of termite populations, it is reasonable to expect regular task shifts between fatigued and rested individuals to maintain continuous tunneling and optimize foraging.

Complete genome sequence of an ST7366 strain harboring an extended-spectrum β-lactamase gene isolated from sewage water in Pakistan.

We announce the complete genome of strain PEC1003 belonging to ST7366, isolated from sewage water in Pakistan. This strain harbored a plasmid carrying various antibiotic resistance genes, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), , emphasizing the management and surveillance of ESBL-producing in the environment of developing countries.

Formation of a giant unilocular vacuole via macropinocytosis-like process confers anoikis resistance.

Cell survival in metazoans depends on cell attachment to the extracellular matrix (ECM) or to neighboring cells. Loss of such attachment triggers a type of programmed cell death known as anoikis, the acquisition of resistance to which is a key step in cancer development. The mechanisms underlying anoikis resistance remain unclear, however.

Complete genome sequence of a high-risk ST10 isolated from avian feces in Pakistan.

We present the complete genome sequence of strain PEC1009 isolated from avian feces in Pakistan. The strain belongs to sequence type (ST) 10, a high-risk clone. The strain possesses two plasmids, and various plasmid-borne antibiotic resistance genes and chromosome-borne virulence factor genes were identified in its genome.

Maleic anhydride derivatives as catalysts for -oxidation of pyridine using hydrogen peroxide.

Maleic anhydride derivatives were evaluated as catalysts in -oxidation of various pyridine substrates using hydrogen peroxide (HO). Depending on the electronic properties of the pyridine substrates, pyridines with electron-donating groups reacted well with 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMMA). In contrast, 1-cyclohexene-1, 2-dicarboxylic anhydride (CHMA) was most effective for electron-deficient pyridines.

Comparative Genomic Analyses of ST2178 Strains Originated from Wild Birds in Pakistan.

The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistance (MDR) pathogenic due to horizontal gene transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFs) is a global health concern, particularly in developing countries. While numerous studies have focused on major sequence types (STs), the implication of minor STs in ARG dissemination and their pathogenicity remains crucial. In this study, two strains (PEC1011 and PEC1012) were isolated from wild bird feces in Pakistan and identified as ST2178 based on their complete genome sequences.

The autophagy-targeting compound V46 enhances antimicrobial responses to Mycobacteroides abscessus by activating transcription factor EB.

Mycobacteroides abscessus (Mabc) is a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium that poses a considerable challenge as a multidrug-resistant pathogen causing chronic human infection. Effective therapeutics that enhance protective immune responses to Mabc are urgently needed. This study introduces trans-3,5,4'-trimethoxystilbene (V46), a novel resveratrol analogue with autophagy-activating properties and antimicrobial activity against Mabc infection, including multidrug-resistant strains.

Exploring the effects of two-segment loop tunnels on termite food transport efficiency: a simulation study.

This study explores the food transport efficiency (E) in a termite tunnel consisting of a main tunnel and a 2-segment loop tunnel through a model simulation. Simulated termites navigate between the main and loop tunnels through branching nodes (a, b, c, d) with associated probabilities (P1, P2, P3, P4). The loop tunnel locations (δ) are considered: near the nest (δ = 1), at the center of the main tunnel (δ = 2), and close to the food site (δ = 3).

The effect of avian eggshell membrane structure on microbial penetration: A simulation study.

Avian eggshells exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties. In this study, we conducted simulation experiments to explore the defense mechanisms of eggshell membranes with regards to their physical features. We developed a mathematical model for the movement of microorganisms and estimated their penetration ratio into eggshell membranes based on several factors, including membrane thickness, microbial size, directional drift, and attachment probability to membrane fibers.

Deep learning framework for bovine iris segmentation.

Iris segmentation is an initial step for identifying the biometrics of animals when establishing a traceability system for livestock. In this study, we propose a deep learning framework for pixel-wise segmentation of bovine iris with a minimized use of annotation labels utilizing the BovineAAEyes80 public dataset. The proposed image segmentation framework encompasses data collection, data preparation, data augmentation selection, training of 15 deep neural network (DNN) models with varying encoder backbones and segmentation decoder DNNs, and evaluation of the models using multiple metrics and graphical segmentation results.

Angiogenesis and Apoptosis: Data Comparison of Similar Microenvironments in the Corpus Luteum and Tumors.

The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine gland formed in the ovary after ovulation, and it plays a critical role in animal reproductive processes. Tumors rely on the development of an adequate blood supply to ensure the delivery of nutrients and oxygen and the removal of waste products. While angiogenesis occurs in various physiological and pathological contexts, the corpus luteum and tumors share similarities in terms of the signaling pathways that promote angiogenesis.

Blood vessel organoids generated by base editing and harboring single nucleotide variation in Notch3 effectively recapitulate CADASIL-related pathogenesis.

Human blood vessel organoids (hBVOs) offer a promising platform for investigating vascular diseases and identifying therapeutic targets. In this study, we focused on in vitro modeling and therapeutic target finding of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), the most common form of hereditary stroke disorder caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene. Despite the identification of these mutations, the underlying pathological mechanism is elusive, and effective therapeutic approaches are lacking.

Performance of the BD MAX MDR-TB assay in a clinical setting and its impact on the clinical course of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: a retrospective before-after study.

Background: Missing isoniazid (INH) resistance during tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis can worsen the outcomes of INH-resistant TB. The BD MAX MDR-TB assay (BD MAX) facilitates the rapid detection of TB and INH and rifampin (RIF) resistance; however, data related to its performance in clinical setting remain limited. Moreover, its effect on treatment outcomes has not yet been studied.

Peptidoglycan-Targeted [F]3,3,3-Trifluoro-d-alanine Tracer for Imaging Bacterial Infection.

Imaging is increasingly used to detect and monitor bacterial infection. Both anatomic (X-rays, computed tomography, ultrasound, and MRI) and nuclear medicine ([In]-WBC SPECT, [F]FDG PET) techniques are used in clinical practice but lack specificity for the causative microorganisms themselves. To meet this challenge, many groups have developed imaging methods that target pathogen-specific metabolism, including PET tracers integrated into the bacterial cell wall.

Exploring the role of loop tunnels in enhancing termite food transport efficiency: A simulation approach.

Subterranean termites construct a network of tunnels beneath the ground, comprising a main tunnel and branch tunnels. While termites do not construct tunnels that turn back in a "U" shape, the intersection of main and branch tunnels often forms closed curved structures (a loop). The loop structure can have either a positive or negative effect on the transport efficiency of termites in food transportation.

Elucidation of critical chemical moieties of metallo-β-lactamase inhibitors and prioritisation of target metallo-β-lactamases.

The urgent demand for effective countermeasures against metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) necessitates development of novel metallo-β-lactamase inhibitors (MBLIs). This study is dedicated to identifying critical chemical moieties within previously developed MBLIs, and critical MBLs should serve as the target in MBLI evaluations. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), a systematic literature analysis was conducted, and the NCBI RefSeq genome database was exploited to access the abundance profile and taxonomic distribution of MBLs and their variant types.