Search Results (14,812)

This study investigated the effects and biological mechanisms of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) on the health and bile metabolism of ducklings. Forty-eight 1-day-old ducklings were randomly assigned to two groups, with six replicates per group. The control group was fed a basic diet, while the AFB₁ group received a diet containing 90 µg/kg of AFB₁. The experiment lasted for 2 weeks. The results showed that 90 µg/kg AFB₁ caused abnormal bile metabolism; damaged liver cell nuclei and mitochondria; and significantly decreased body weight, average daily weight gain, and levels of albumin, total protein, cholesterol, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione. It also significantly increased feed conversion efficiency, along with alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bile acids, and malondialdehyde levels. In the liver, the expression levels of CYP7A1, SCD, and other genes were significantly upregulated, while BSEP, FASN, HMGCR, CAT, and other genes were significantly downregulated. In conclusion, AFB₁ causes abnormal bile metabolism and impairs the overall health and liver function of ducklings. Its mechanism of action may involve changes in gene expression related to bile acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, oxidative damage, and cancer pathways. Full article

Background/Objectives: The impact of virion maturation on neutralizing antibody responses in HIV treatment is not fully understood. This study examines whether antiretroviral regimens (ART) with boosted protease inhibitors (b-PI), which increase exposure to immature virions, affect neutralization capacity compared to Non-b-PI regimens. Methods: Neutralization activity was assessed in 45 HIV-infected individuals on b-PI regimens and 56 on Non-b-PI regimens, adjusting for factors like infection duration, ART initiation, and immune markers. Individuals on b-PI regimens had significantly lower neutralization scores [mean: 6.1, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 5.3–6.9] than those on Non-b-PI regimens (mean: 8.9, 95% CI: 8.0–9.9; p < 0.0001). This difference was not explained by infection duration or CD4+ counts. CD4+/CD8+ ratios were positively associated with neutralization, while b-PI use was negatively associated. A regression model indicated that b-PI use significantly predicted lower neutralization scores (beta = −0.30, p = 0.049). Conclusions: These findings suggest that exposure to immature virions via b-PI use reduces neutralizing antibody responses, highlighting the importance of virion maturation in antibody induction. ART regimens promoting exposure to mature virions may enhance neutralization, with potential implications for HIV vaccine design. Further research is needed to explore implications for HIV vaccine design, especially using virus-like particles. Full article

In recent years, the awareness of healthier lifestyles among consumers has driven to an increased interest in more natural, nutritious, and low-processed foods. Ferulic acid, one of the most abundant phenolic acids in plants, has demonstrated a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activities and a range of biomedical effects, including antioxidant, antiallergic, hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic, among others. The objective of this work was to study the antilisterial effect of ferulic acid (FA, 1500 mg/L) on fresh, ready-to-eat orange (FOJ) and apple (FAJ) juices and evaluate its effect on product quality. The results showed that FA reduced the Listeria monocytogenes population after 9 days of storage at 4 °C, but no effect on the indigenous microbiota was observed. The titratable acidity and color significantly changed. The antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content significantly increased with the addition of FA, being at least two times greater in fortified juices. FAJ and FOJ containing FA were scored lower (6.8 and 5.7 on a 9-point hedonic scale, respectively) than their respective controls. Overall, our results demonstrated that FA treatment could be a useful strategy to maintain the safety of fresh apple and orange juices and increase the antioxidant activity and phenolic content. The potential industrial applications and health benefits of the fortification of fruit juices with FA should be further explored. Full article

In recent decades, the frequency of flooding has increased as a result of global climate change. Flooding has become one of the major abiotic stresses that seriously affect the growth and development of plants. Mulberry (Morus alba L.) is an important economic tree in China. Flooding stress is among the most severe abiotic stresses that affect the production of mulberry. However, the physiological and molecular biological mechanisms of mulberry responses to flooding stress are still unclear. In the present study, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, antioxidant mechanism, and plant hormones in mulberry associated with the response to flooding stress were investigated using physiological and transcriptomic analysis methods. The results showed significant increases in the production rate of superoxide anion (O₂^•−) and the content of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in leaves on the 5th day of flooding stress. This led to membrane lipid peroxidation and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) exhibited enhanced activities initially, followed by fluctuations. The ascorbic acid–glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle played a crucial role in scavenging ROS, promoting the reduction of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to reduced glutathione (GSH). Transcriptomic analysis revealed the up-regulation of the gene-encoding antioxidant enzymes (APX, MDHAR, GPX, GR, GST) involved in ROS scavenging and stress tolerance mechanisms. Jasmonic acid (JA) levels and the expression of JA synthesis-related genes increased significantly in mulberry leaves under flooding stress. This activation of the JA signaling pathway contributed to the plant’s adaptability to flooding conditions. Proline (Pro) and soluble sugar (SS) contents increased notably in response to flooding stress. Proline helped maintain cell turgor and protected enzymes and membranes from damage, while soluble sugars supported anaerobic respiration and energy supply. However, soluble protein (SP) content decreased, suggesting inhibition of protein synthesis. The study provides insights into mulberry’s flooding tolerance mechanisms, guiding future molecular breeding efforts. This summary captures the key findings and implications of the study on mulberry’s response to flooding stress, focusing on physiological and molecular mechanisms identified in the research. Full article

Feline cancer is increasingly recognized as a major cause of mortality, yet data on tumor prevalence and behavior in cats, particularly in non-Western regions, remain limited. This study analyzed a decade of feline tumor data in Korea from 2012 to 2022, focusing on age, breed, and anatomical location as predictors of malignancy. Data were collected from 683 cats, with regression analysis applied to determine significant associations. Older cats exhibited a markedly higher risk of malignancy, particularly in mast cell and mammary tumors. Tumors in the mammary gland and alimentary tract had malignancy rates exceeding 90%, underscoring the need for early detection in these regions. Interestingly, squamous cell carcinoma was rare in the skin, in stark contrast to Western studies, likely reflecting differences in environmental exposure. While breed was not a statistically significant predictor, certain breeds, including Persians and Russian Blues, showed a higher frequency of malignancy. These findings highlight the importance of regional tumor research in cats and the need for larger, multicenter datasets that incorporate environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. Understanding these influences will help refine veterinary care and improve cancer treatment outcomes in feline populations. Full article

Theobromine (TBR) is a methylxanthine known for its bronchodilatory and stimulatory effects. This research evaluated the vitality, capacitation patterns, oxidative characteristics, microbial profile and expression of capacitation-associated proteins (CatSper1/2, sodium bicarbonate cotransporter [NBC], protein kinases A [PKA] and C [PKC] and adenylate cyclase 10 [ADCY10]) in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa (n = 30) in the absence (cryopreserved control [Ctrl_C]) or presence of different TBR concentrations (12.5, 25, and 50 µM) in egg yolk extender. Fresh ejaculate served as a negative control (Ctrl_N). Significant post-thaw maintenance of the sperm motility, membrane and DNA integrity and mitochondrial activity (p < 0.001) were recorded following the administration of 25 μM and 50 μM TBR, then compared to Ctrl_C. All groups supplemented with TBR exhibited a significantly lower percentage of prematurely capacitated spermatozoa (p < 0.001) than Ctrl_C. Significantly decreased levels of global reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals were observed in the presence of 25 μM and 50 μM TBR (p < 0.01). Western blot analysis revealed that supplementation with 50 μM TBR significantly prevented the loss of NBC and ADCY10 (p < 0.01), while all TBR doses stabilized the levels of PKC (p < 0.05 at 50 μM TBR; p < 0.001 at 12.5 μM and 25 μM TBR). In summary, we suggest that TBR is effective in protecting the spermatozoa during the cryopreservation process through its potential to stimulate energy synthesis while preventing ROS overproduction and the loss of proteins involved in the sperm activation process. Full article

The growing population in Yucatan has led to the expansion of construction in the Mayan jungle for tourist spaces, residential areas, and agriculture. Recently, rabies cases in cats (Felis catus) have increased in the state. This study aimed to perform antigenic and genetic characterization of the rabies viruses in felines and to present the spatial distribution and environmental features of the areas where these cases were reported. The ArcGIS software and R were employed to generate maps depicting the geographic locations of rabies cases in cats. A total of nine feline rabies cases occurred during the period 2003–2022. Three antigenic variants were detected: dog-related RVV1 (n = 1); vampire bat variant RVV3 (n = 1); and the canine-originated atypical variant (n = 7). Cases reported in Merida (n = 4) and Muna (n = 4) were localized to urban areas, while Cuncunul (n = 1) was rural. This study highlights the concerning resurgence of rabies infections in cats, emphasizing the looming threat of its reintroduction in dogs should vaccination rates diminish. The genetic affinity between the atypical variant and the canine virus underscores the urgent need for vigilance in maintaining high vaccination coverage across all susceptible species. Full article

Pyometra is a major reproductive disorder affecting female cats. Characterized by the accumulation of purulent exudate in the uterus, it can lead to severe and potentially fatal complications. This pathology primarily occurs in adult cats during diestrus, but can also affect younger felines, often due to inappropriate administration of hormonal medications. While the etiopathogenesis of pyometra is better understood in bitches, few studies have addressed the molecular factors involved in feline pyometra. Therefore, this review aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive discussion of pyometra in cats, focusing on the regulation of molecular factors described in this species, including hormonal, redox, immunological, and growth factors. Understanding the regulation of these factors in pyometra is crucial for elucidating its pathogenesis in domestic cats and for improving diagnosis and identifying novel therapeutic approaches. Full article

Our previous study showed that magnetic field pretreatment promoted germination and phenolic enrichment in quinoa. In this study, we further investigated the effects of NaCl stress on the growth and phenolic synthesis of germinated quinoa after magnetic field pretreatment (MGQ). The results showed that NaCl stress inhibited the growth of MGQ, reduced the moisture content and weight of a single plant, but increased the fresh/dry weight. The higher the NaCl concentration, the more obvious the inhibition effect. In addition, NaCl stress inhibited the hydrolysis of MGQ starch, protein, and fat but increased the ash content. Moreover, lower concentrations (50 and 100 mM) of NaCl stress increased the content of MGQ flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. This was due to the fact that NaCl stress further increased the enzyme activities of PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS, CHI, and CHR and up-regulated the gene expression of the above enzymes. NaCl stress at 50 and 100 mM increased the DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacity of MGQ and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, POD, CAT, APX, and GSH-Px, further enhancing the antioxidant system. Furthermore, principal component analysis showed that NaCl stress at 100 mM had the greatest combined effect on MGQ. Taken together, NaCl stress inhibited the growth of MGQ, but appropriate concentrations of NaCl stress, especially 100 mM, helped to further increase the phenolic content of MGQ and enhance its antioxidant system. Full article

As a key species in freshwater aquaculture, Eriocheir japonica sinensis was subjected to ammonia stress to assess its impact on the hepatopancreas. A total of 4007 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between control and treatment groups, comprising 1838 upregulated and 2169 downregulated genes. Following exposure to 300 mg/L of ammonia, the oxidative phosphorylation pathway was activated, while the lysosomal pathway was suppressed, thereby influencing immune functions. Thirteen DEGs from these pathways were further validated via qRT-PCR, revealing gene expression changes of one- to two-fold. Both acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) levels in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph initially increased and then decreased, indicating a disruption in immune functionality. Additionally, alanine transaminase (ALT) and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured, alongside catalase (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, all of which showed an upward trend, signifying oxidative stress and tissue damage. These results offer critical insights into the antioxidant and immune mechanisms of E. j. sinensis in ammonia-enriched environments. Full article

Colostrum is a mammary secretion released from the time of farrowing to 36 h post-farrowing. After this time and during all the rest of lactation, the mammary secretion is considered milk. The objectives of this study were: (1) to perform an analytical validation in the colostrum and milk of sows of assays for four analytes related to immunity: total ADA (tADA) and its isoenzymes (ADA1 and ADA2), myeloperoxidase (Mpx), calprotectin, and calgranulin, and two analytes related to welfare: cortisol and alpha-amylase. (2) To evaluate the changes in these analytes during lactation (3) To assess the correlations between these new analytes, as well as with IgG and IgA. In the analytical validation, all the assays were precise and accurate. When changes during lactation were evaluated, the concentration of tADA and ADA2 was found to be higher in colostrum than in milk (p < 0.02), while the activity of Mpx was observed to be higher in mature milk than in colostrum (p < 0.03). Furthermore, cortisol and alpha-amylase activity were found to be higher in colostrum compared to mature milk (p < 0.04 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Regarding the relation between analytes, alpha-amylase showed a significant correlation with both IgG and IgA and calprotectin was correlated with calgranulin and Mpx. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the possible practical application of the analytes evaluated in this study as biomarkers of colostrum and milk in sows. Full article

Ubiquitin (Ub) signals are recognized and decoded into cellular responses by Ub-receptors, proteins that tether the Ub-binding domain(s) (UBDs) with response elements. Typically, UBDs bind mono-Ub in highly dynamic and weak affinity manners, presenting challenges in identifying and characterizing their binding interfaces. Here, we report the development of a new approach to facilitate the detection of these weak interactions using split-reporter systems where two interacting proteins are proximally co-translated from a single mRNA. This proximity significantly enhances the readout signals of weak protein–protein interactions (PPIs). We harnessed this system to characterize the ultra-weak UBD and ENTH (Epsin N-terminal Homology) and discovered that the yeast Ent1-ENTH domain contains two Ub-binding patches. One is similar to a previously characterized patch on STAM1(signal-transducing adaptor molecule)-VHS (Vps27, Hrs, and STAM), and the other was predicted by AlphaFold. Using a split-CAT selection system that co-translates Ub and ENTH in combination with mutagenesis, we assessed and confirmed the existence of a novel binding patch around residue F53 on ENTH. Co-translation in the split-CAT system provides an effective tool for studying weak PPIs and offers new insights into Ub-receptor interactions. Full article

Background and Aims: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) plays a critical role in the innate immune response and has been suggested to be a surrogate marker of oxidative stress and inflammation, with elevated levels implicated in cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and heart failure, as well as in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. While MPO is well-known in leukocytes, its expression and function in human endothelial cells remain unclear. This study investigates MPO expression in patient-derived endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) and its potential association with CAD and mitochondrial function. Methods: ECFCs were cultured from the peripheral blood of 93 BioHEART-CT patients. MPO expression and associated functions were examined using qRT-PCR, immunochemistry, flow cytometry, and MPO activity assays. CAD presence was defined using CT coronary angiography (CACS > 0). Results: We report MPO presence in patient-derived ECFCs for the first time. MPO protein expression occurred in 70.7% of samples (n = 41) which had nuclear co-localisation, an atypical observation given its conventional localisation in the granules of neutrophils and monocytes. This suggests potential alternative roles for MPO in nuclear processes. MPO mRNA expression was detected in 66.23% of samples (n = 77). CAD patients had a lower proportion of MPO-positive ECFCs compared to non-CAD controls (57.45% vs. 80%, p = 0.04), a difference that persisted in the statin-naïve sub-cohort (53.85% vs. 84.62%, p = 0.02). Non-CAD patients with MPO expression showed upregulated mitochondrial-antioxidant genes (AIFM2, TXNRD1, CAT, PRDX3, PRDX6). In contrast, CAD patients with MPO gene expression had heightened mROS production and mitochondrial mass and decreased mitochondrial function compared to that of CAD patients without MPO gene expression. Conclusions: MPO is present in the nucleus of ECFCs. In non-CAD ECFCs, MPO expression is linked to upregulated mitochondrial-antioxidant genes, whereas in CAD ECFCs, it is associated with greater mitochondrial dysfunction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Currently, the prediction of disease recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) in localized prostate cancer (PCa) relies on clinicopathological parameters, which lack accuracy in predicting clinical outcomes. This study focused on evaluating the utility of cfDNA levels and fragmentation patterns as prognostic biomarkers in progressive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) patients, including those with persistent PSA and biochemical recurrence (BR), after primary treatment in localized PCa patients. Methods: Twenty-nine high-risk localized PCa patients were enrolled in the study between February 2022 and May 2023. Blood samples were obtained before robotic RP. cfDNA concentration and fragment size were quantified using the Quant-it PicoGreen dsDNA Assay kit and Agilent 2200 TapeStation System, respectively. Results: The mean PSA value at diagnosis was 9.4 ng/mL. Seven patients (24.1%) had stage pT2 and 22 (75.9%) pT3. Nine patients (31%) had detectable PSA at the first PSA control six weeks after surgery, and four patients (20%) had BR during a mean follow-up of 18.4 months. No associations were found between cfDNA levels or fragmentation patterns and clinicopathological data. Although not statistically significant, patients with detectable PSA levels post-surgery exhibited higher cfDNA levels and shorter fragments compared with those with undetectable PSA. Conclusions: Our study indicated a tendency toward more fragmented cfDNA levels in PCa patients with persistent PSA. Strikingly, biochemical recurrent PCa patients exhibited similar cfDNA levels and fragmentation patterns compared to non-recurrent patients. Further studies exploring liquid biopsy-derived biomarkers in localized PCa patients are needed to elucidate their clinical utility in predicting PSA persistence. Full article

The serratus plane block is an ultrasound-guided anaesthetic technique that aims to provide analgesia to the lateral thoracic wall cranial to the 8th rib. This block can be performed in a superficial (between the latissimus dorsi and the serratus ventralis thoracis (SVT) muscles) or deep plane (between the intercostales externi and the SVT muscles). This study aimed to assess the distribution and nerve staining of a mixture of 0.4 mL kg⁻¹ of methylene blue and iopromide 50:50 performing a deep serratus plane (DSP) block at the level of the 5th rib. We hypothesise that this technique would be feasible and could stain the rami cutanei laterales (RCL) of the intercostales nerves cranial to the 8th rib in cat cadavers. This study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 consisted of an anatomical study of the thoracic wall (2 cadavers). Phase 2 consisted of the ultrasound-guided injection of the aforementioned mixture and the assessment of its distribution by computed tomography and anatomical dissection (12 cadavers). Contrast media spread a median of 5.5 (2.5–7.5) intercostal spaces. The dye stained a median of 3 (0–5) RCL, affecting RCL 2 (17.39%), RCL 3 (57.17%), RCL 4 (78.26%), RCL 5 (91.30%), RCL 6 (78.26%), and RCL 7 (8.70%) within the DSP. Occasionally, the rami dorsales laterales and the thoracicus longus nerve were stained. Based on these findings, the DSP block performed with a volume of 0.4 mL kg⁻¹ of an anaesthetic could provide analgesia in the area innervated from T4 to T6. Full article