Effect of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR 4) on Reproductive Performance and Immune Function in Dairy Cows.

In dairy cows, inflammatory diseases caused by infection with pathogenic bacteria post calving affect ovarian functions. This study examined the relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), reproductive performances [the number of artificial insemination (AI) application and days open], and immune cell functions (apoptosis and migration). Two hundred Holstein cows from the Obihiro University farm were included.

The short-term effects of soft pellets on lipogenesis and insulin sensitivity in rats.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the short-term effects of a 12-day, soft pellet (SP) diet with a 3-h restricted feeding schedule on caloric intake, body weight, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. Glucose and insulin levels were measured pre-, mid-, and post-feeding. The SP rats exhibited postprandial hyperglycemia compared to rats fed control pellets (CP).

Possible involvement of food texture in insulin resistance and energy metabolism in male rats.

Food texture is known to affect energy metabolism. Although feeding with soft pellets (SP) or via a tube is known to cause increases in body weight, it is unclear how different food textures influence energy metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effects of two different food textures on energy balance and glucose and lipid metabolism in male Wistar rats.

The effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor-α gene on reproductive performance and immune function in dairy cattle.

The present study aimed to assess the effect of polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) promoter (A/A, A/G and G/G) and exons (T/T, T/C and C/C) on immune function and reproductive performance in dairy cows. The occurrence of the first postpartum ovulation within 3 weeks in the cows with the TNF-α promoter A/G and G/G genotypes was higher than in the A/A group. Among the different TNF-α exon genotypes, the occurrence of early first postpartum ovulation was higher in the T/C and C/C genotype groups than in the T/T group.

[The problems associated with home care in pharmacy].

In the revision of prescribed medicinal compensation act of April 2008, it is possible for health insurance pharmacy to allocate an injection medicine and to add a medical treatment material. In addition to that, the newly established fees like "Joint guidance fee when patient is discharged from hospital", "Joint guidance fee such as an urgent home care of patients", and "Medical management guidance fee for homecare patient emergency visit", and so on, would strengthen in the home medical care. Therefore, we expect that more health insurance pharmacies will have an opportunity to participate in the home medical care business.