Search Results (1,197)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of varying dietary energy levels on milk production, feed intake, nutrient digestion and metabolism, and antioxidation function of lactating donkeys, and integrating 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metabolomics, and proteomics to comprehensively reveal the underlying regulatory networks. A single-factor, completely randomized design was used in this study. Twenty-four Dezhou donkeys with similar milk yield (3.25 ± 0.46 kg/d), lactation days (29 ± 4.34 d), parities (4.17 ± 1.17), and body weight (256 ± 34 kg) were randomly divided into three dietary treatments (n = 8), and either a fed high-energy diet (DE = 13.1 MJ/kg, HED), medium-energy diet (DE = 12.4 MJ/kg, MED), and low-energy diet (DE = 11.7 MJ/kg, LED). The experiment period included 2 weeks for adaptation and 8 weeks for data and sample collection. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to evaluate the linear and quadratic effects of increasing dietary energy. There were no significant interaction effects between dietary energy level and lactation week on any milk production and quality variables (p > 0.05). Increasing dietary energy level increased DMI, milk production, milk production efficiency, and milk components (linear and quadratic; p < 0.05). Increasing dietary energy improved the digestibility of DM and neutral detergent fiber (linear; p < 0.05), and crude protein digestibility, energy digestibility and metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism (quadratic; p < 0.05). However, it decreased BHBA and NEFA concentrations (linear; p < 0.05). Furthermore, increasing dietary energy first increased then decreased the activities of GSH-PX, SOD, and T-AOC (linear and quadratic; p < 0.05), while increasing the MDA content (linear; p < 0.05). Compared with HED and MED, LED increased the relative abundance of the genera unclassified_f_Syntrophomonadaceae, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Treponema_2. Compared with HED, MED increased the relative abundance of the genera Ruminiclostridium_5, Ruminiclostridium_1, Family_XIII_UCG-001, unclassified_o__Clostridiales and norank_f__PL-11B10. Thyroid hormone synthesis, tyrosine metabolism, and glutathione metabolism pathways are critical metabolic routes; these pathways can enhance energy metabolism and antioxidant function, thereby improving the milk production performance of lactating donkeys. In conclusion, the digestible energy of 12.40 MJ/kg was optimal for the milk performance of lactating donkeys, whereas excessively high dietary energy (13.1 MJ/kg) may reduce milk performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric intussusception, a condition where part of the intestine telescopes into an adjacent segment, predominantly affects children aged 6–18 months. Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent serious complications such as ischemia or necrosis. This systematic review aims to comprehensively evaluate and synthesize existing research on predictive and prognostic biomarkers associated with pediatric intussusception that can aid in early diagnosis, severity assessment, outcome prediction, and treatment. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using specific MeSH and free-text terms related to intussusception, biomarkers, and the pediatric population. The review followed PRISMA guidelines, with independent screening, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. A total of 47 studies, mostly retrospective cohorts from diverse countries, with over 20,000 patients, were included. Results: The studies identified numerous biomarkers associated with disease severity, including hematological markers and indices (e.g., WBC counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), inflammatory markers (CRP and cytokines), biochemical markers (serum lactate, D-dimer, and electrolytes), and novel molecular markers (I-FABP, MCP-1, and transfer RNA fragments). Elevated inflammatory markers and derived ratios consistently predicted bowel necrosis, ischemia, and need for surgery. Biochemical markers like serum lactate and D-dimer correlated with ischemic severity. Emerging molecular biomarkers show promise for early, non-invasive risk stratification. However, heterogeneity in study designs, assay methods, and cutoff values currently limits immediate clinical application. Conclusions: Biomarker research offers valuable tools for improving pediatric intussusception management, with the potential to enhance early diagnosis and outcome prediction. While traditional markers are useful, novel molecular and protein biomarkers hold promise for more specific and rapid assessment. Validation through multicenter, prospective studies and standardized protocols is essential before routine implementation. Integrating biomarkers with clinical and imaging data could refine decision-making, ultimately reducing morbidity and improving prognosis in affected children. Full article

To address cryodamage in Culter alburnus sperm, this study evaluated the effects of trehalose supplementation in a conventional cryomedium (D-15 + 10% ethylene glycol). Six experimental groups were established: fresh sperm (G1), a conventional cryomedium (G2), groups supplemented with 10, 100, or 200 mmol/L trehalose (G3–G5), and a control group with extender only (G6). The group with 100 mmol/L trehalose (G4) was associated with improved post-thaw motility parameters (activation rate, movement time, and lifespan) and higher antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and energy metabolism (ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase) enzyme activities. Ultrastructural damage in G4 included partial plasma membrane rupture and mitochondrial swelling, while G6 exhibited additional damage features including membrane disintegration, mitochondrial disruption, and flagellar fracture. Proteomic analysis revealed that, compared to G1, G4 exhibited higher abundance of proteins (e.g., Histone H2A, cytochrome c oxidase, profilin) involved in structural integrity and energy homeostasis, whereas G6 showed signatures of oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction (lower abundance of NADH dehydrogenase and higher abundance of calcium-transporting ATPase and glutathione S-transferase). In conclusion, 100 mmol/L trehalose was associated with improved cryopreservation outcomes, and the proteins identified provide a basis for further investigation. This approach offers a framework for refining germplasm conservation strategies in aquaculture. Full article

Two-dimensional Ti₃C₂O₂ MXene has emerged as a promising electrode material for non-enzymatic glucose sensing due to its metallic conductivity and biocompatibility. However, the atomic-scale sensing mechanism remains unclear. This DFT study uses the PBE functional with the D3(BJ) dispersion correction to elucidate glucose–MXene interactions under idealized vacuum conditions. Pristine Ti₃C₂O₂ shows metallic behavior with a density of states of about 8.2 states per electron volt at the Fermi level, dominated by Ti 3d states. β-d-glucose adsorbs onto the surface through hydrogen bonding, with an adsorption energy of −0.82 eV at a separation distance of 2.8 angstroms. Bader analysis indicates a transfer of about 0.15 electrons from MXene to glucose, resulting in a Fermi level shift of about −0.15 eV and an 18% reduction in the density of states at the Fermi level. These changes correspond to an estimated sensitivity of approximately 0.6 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² and a detection limit of about 17 µM, consistent with reported experimental performance of MXene-based sensors. Comparative adsorption calculations for common sweat interferents yield −0.45 eV for lactate and −0.25 eV for urea, indicating weaker interfacial affinity than glucose; these values reflect thermodynamic binding strength and possible surface occupation rather than definitive electrochemical selectivity, which additionally depends on redox potential, electron-transfer kinetics, and operating bias. We acknowledge three main limitations: first, the model considers only pure oxygen termination rather than mixed oxygen, hydroxyl, and fluorine terminations; second, the calculations are performed under vacuum rather than in aqueous conditions; third, the study is based on static zero kelvin structures rather than finite temperature dynamics. Despite these idealizations, the results provide baseline mechanistic insights to support rational design of MXene-based glucose sensors. Full article

Background: Maternal vitamin D deficiency (VDD) compromises fetal skeletal development. The impact of postnatal vitamin D supplementation on osteocalcin (OC) carboxylation, converting undercarboxylated (ucOC) to carboxylated osteocalcin (cOC), in offspring remains unclear, given conflicting reports on the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and specific OC forms. This study investigated OC profile recovery in a mouse model of maternal VDD. Methods: Female C57BL/6J mice were fed a VDD diet from four weeks pre-conception through lactation. Weaned offspring were maintained on the VDD diet and randomized to three groups: control (saline), standard-dose (1500 IU/kg), or high-dose (4500 IU/kg) vitamin D supplementation. Serum 25(OH)D, cOC, and ucOC were quantified via ELISA at 1, 2, and 4 weeks post-intervention. Results: Controls remained vitamin D-deficient (<13 ng/mL). Supplementation dose-dependently increased serum 25(OH)D (p < 0.05). Crucially, while absolute ucOC levels remained stable across all groups, supplementation significantly upregulated cOC and total osteocalcin at all time points (p < 0.05). Consequently, the ucOC/cOC ratio significantly decreased in supplemented groups. Partial correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between 25(OH)D and cOC (r_partial = 0.718) and a negative correlation with the ucOC/cOC ratio (r_partial = −0.433), but no correlation with ucOC (r_partial = −0.102). Conclusions: In offspring affected by maternal VDD, vitamin D supplementation improves the osteocalcin carboxylation profile primarily by driving carboxylated osteocalcin synthesis rather than reducing the undercarboxylated pool. Serum cOC and the ucOC/cOC ratio serve as superior functional biomarkers to ucOC for monitoring therapeutic efficacy in this early-life developmental model. Full article

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes severe intestinal infections in animals and threatens public health under the One Health framework. Most conventional studies focus on acute short-term ETEC infection, while natural persistent colonization oftern induces chronic intestinal mucosal compensatory remodeling in hosts. This study evaluated the protective effects of giant panda-derived Weissella confusa BSP201703 against chronic ETEC-induced intestinal damage using a giant panda fecal microbiota-associated (GPF) mouse model. Seventy-two Kunming mice were divided into six groups: blank control (C1), GPF control (C2), ETEC control (C3), and three W. confusa BSP201703 groups at low (1.0 × 10⁷ cfu/mL, W1), medium (1.0 × 10⁸ cfu/mL, W2), and high (1.0 × 10⁹ cfu/mL, W3) doses. Mice were first subjected to continuous ETEC challenge for 5 days to establish stable chronic intestinal injury, followed by a subsequent 5-day intervention with probiotic or sterile PBS for repairing existing damage. Growth performance, histopathology, serum D-lactate, SIgA, tight junction genes (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1), and gut microbiota were analyzed. Histomorphologically, the chronic ETEC challenge induced compensatory increases in ileal villus height and crypt depth, which differed from typical acute necrotic atrophy. W. confusa BSP201703 mitigated ETEC-induced damage, reduced serum D-lactate (p < 0.05), increased SIgA, and upregulated tight junctions (p < 0.05). Microbial results demonstrated that medium-dose W2 maximized microbial diversity, while W1/W3 selectively enriched beneficial Bacteroidetes, Clostridium cluster IV, and Clostridium cluster XIVa taxa, confirming that moderate doses yielded optimal protection. In conclusion, W. confusa BSP201703 relieves ETEC injury by enhancing intestinal barrier function and regulating gut microbiota, highlighting its potential as a wildlife probiotic for One Health applications. Full article

Blood metabolism in dairy cows is crucial for milk quality, functioning primarily through the “blood–milk” metabolic axis. Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR), a functional Allium herb, has been shown to regulate on ruminant lipid metabolism. This study investigated the impact of AMR ethanol extract (AME) on lactation performance, blood lipid parameters, and blood–milk metabolomes. Twelve mid-lactation Holsteins (606 ± 11 kg; milk yield 33.14 ± 2.08 kg/d) of parity 2–3 were assigned to either a basal diet (CON) or a diet supplemented with 54 g/d of AME (AEE). Results indicated that AME significantly decreased plasma triglycerides (TG), C15:0, C16:1, C18:1 n-9 c, C18:3 n-6, monounsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05) and significantly increased C18:2 n-6 c, polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.05). Lactation performance, including the average daily dry matter intake, daily yields of milk fat, protein and lactose, remained unaffected by the AME addition (p > 0.05). Metabolomic profiling revealed that AME significantly enriched the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway in plasma, upregulating key phospholipid precursors such as L-serine and Sphinganine. Concurrently, milk metabolomics showed an upregulation of short-chain Acylcarnitines. Plasma TG correlated negatively with both plasma L-serine and milk Acylcarnitines, whereas low-density lipoprotein correlated positively with these energy-driven milk metabolites. These findings suggest that AME may contribute to remodeling the plasma lipid metabolic profile in a manner that could facilitate plasma-to-milk lipid flux. This appears to occur through enhanced hepatic lipid processing and increased mammary lipid utilization, offering preliminary insights into potential nutritional strategies for supporting lipid metabolism in dairy cows. Full article

Although LRRK2 mutations modulate systemic glucose homeostasis and metabolic dysfunction precedes Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor symptoms; the way in which pathogenic variants of LRRK2 disrupt astrocytic glucose metabolism and organellar homeostasis remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that LRRK2-I1371V mutation causes profound metabolic and organellar dysfunction in LRRK2-I1371V PD-iPSC-derived astrocytes and U87 cells overexpressing I1371V variant. LRRK2-I1371V astrocytes exhibit significantly reduced GLUT1 expression and cell surface localization, resulting in impaired glucose uptake and decreased lactate production. This metabolic insufficiency correlates with cascading mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by membrane depolarization, elevated reactive oxygen species, enhanced ubiquitination and reduced proteasomal activity. Reduced LAMP1/LAMP2 expression, impaired lysosomal acidification, and selective cathepsin D deficiency were observed. Accumulation of undegraded cargo was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy upon α-synuclein exposure. ER stress was evident by upregulation of GADD34/CHOP, increased phospho-PERK, and reduced nascent protein synthesis. Increased ER–mitochondrial contact via MAMs and enhanced STIM1-ORAI3 clustering reflect compensatory but ultimately insufficient responses to energy stress. Our results reveal that LRRK2-I1371V induces glucose uptake deficits, leading to energy depletion and integrated ER–mitochondria–lysosome dysfunction, thus indicating restoration of astrocytic metabolic capacity as a potential therapeutic strategy for LRRK2-associated PD. Full article

Modern lifestyles characterized by reduced physical activity and changing eating habits have contributed to a global rise in obesity. This research examined the effects of a diet rich in linoleic acid combined with physical exercise using a TreadWheel system in Drosophila melanogaster. The flies were fed diets with varying linoleic acid concentrations from the larval stage through to day 15 of adulthood. A diet containing 45.9 mg/mL of linoleic acid improved eclosion rates, body weight, and biochemical markers such as glycogen, cholesterol, and hydrogen peroxide levels, as well as citrate synthase and acetylcholinesterase activities in sedentary flies. Conversely, flies that consumed linoleic acid and underwent 15 days of exercise on the TreadWheel showed increased weight, lactate, glycogen, cholesterol, nitric oxide levels, and acetylcholinesterase activity. These results suggest that a 15-day regimen of linoleic acid intake combined with physical exercise on the TreadWheel enhances muscle parameters in D. melanogaster, serving as an alternative animal model for nutrition and exercise research. Full article

Background and Objectives: Outcomes after trauma are traditionally attributed to injury severity and acute physiologic derangement. However, host vulnerability at presentation—reflecting underlying physiologic and nutritional status—may also be associated with bleeding severity and transfusion requirements following acute injury. Whether such vulnerability contributes additional risk information beyond established factors remains incompletely understood. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult trauma patients using a single-center trauma registry. Host vulnerability was assessed using a composite score (CE; range 0–3) based on admission hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL), anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL), and reduced renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²). Primary outcomes were any blood transfusion and massive transfusion, defined as transfusion of ≥10 units of packed red blood cells within 24 h of admission. Associations between CE score and transfusion outcomes were evaluated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, Injury Severity Score (ISS), admission lactate level, and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Results: Among 4105 trauma patients, transfusion requirements increased progressively with higher CE scores. Rates of any transfusion rose from 21.7% in patients with CE 0 to 78.6% in those with CE 3, while massive transfusion increased from 1.9% to 23.1% across the same categories. In multivariable analyses, each 1-point increase in CE score was independently associated with higher odds of any transfusion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.80–3.68) and massive transfusion (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.45–2.07). Conclusions: A composite score reflecting host vulnerability at presentation was associated with bleeding severity and transfusion requirements after trauma, beyond injury severity and acute physiologic factors. These findings suggest that simple laboratory-based markers may provide additional information for early risk stratification of hemorrhagic outcomes after trauma. Full article

Modern genetic selection for high productivity has created a physiological conflict in ruminants, where the metabolic demands of lactation compete directly with the energy requirements of reproduction. This review provides a mechanistic synthesis of how key nutritional factors modulate the endocrine and cellular pathways governing reproductive success in cattle and sheep. Negative energy balance (NEB), characteristic of the early postpartum period, suppresses the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis by impairing the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), mediated through reduced kisspeptin signaling, growth hormone (GH) resistance, and decreased circulating insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and leptin. At the macronutrient level, excess rumen-degradable protein elevates blood urea nitrogen and impairs the uterine environment, while omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit prostaglandin F2α synthesis to support corpus luteum maintenance. At the micronutrient level, selenium, copper, and zinc are essential antioxidant cofactors protecting gametes and embryos from oxidative stress, while vitamins A, D, and E regulate gene expression in reproductive tissues. Furthermore, maternal nutrition during critical gestational windows programs the reproductive capacity of offspring through epigenetic modifications, with profound implications for long-term herd fertility. Understanding these nutritional–reproductive interactions is crucial for developing precision feeding strategies that optimize herd fertility, improve animal welfare, and ensure the economic sustainability of livestock management. A thorough understanding of these nutritional–reproductive interactions is essential for developing precision feeding strategies that optimize fertility in high-producing ruminants. Full article

Background: The Global Positioning System (GPS) and wearable monitoring technologies are increasingly applied in sport science to quantify training load; however, data from female cross-country skiers in nations with emerging competitive programs remain scarce. This case series covering the complete national team roster analyzed the complete annual training cycle of the Korean women’s national cross-country skiing team (KCF) using GPS and heart rate-based wearable sensors. Methods: All three national team members were monitored throughout the 2022–2023 season (52 weeks), structured into General Preparation Period 1 (April–July), General Preparation Period 2 (August–November), and Competition Period (December–March). Individualized five-zone intensity thresholds were established through graded exercise testing on a roller ski treadmill with ventilatory threshold and blood lactate determination, independently assessed by two exercise physiologists (PhD level). Results: The total annual training volume was 667.72 h, comprising roller/on-snow skiing (54.0%), running (23.3%), and strength training (22.7%). The endurance-only intensity distribution demonstrated a polarized pattern (Zones 1–2: 91.5%). The total annual training distance reached 4673.30 km. The mean FIS points were 108.46 ± 38.60, and the mean VO₂max was 60.17 ± 6.11 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹. Conclusions: When benchmarked against world-class female (WCF) standards (800–950 h annually), the overall training volume was approximately 18–30% lower. The relative strength training allocation (22.7%) exceeded typical WCF values (10–15%). These observations should be interpreted cautiously given the small sample size and cross-study comparison design, using published literature-based benchmarks. Full article

Diversifying forage sources may improve the sustainability and flexibility of dairy production. In a 60 d feeding trial, 72 mid-lactation Holstein cows were assigned to three treatments (24 cows/group) and fed a total mixed ration in which corn silage represented 41.16% of dietary dry matter in the control diet; 25% or 50% of this corn silage fraction was replaced with triticale silage (TS) on a dry matter basis. The study evaluated whether partial TS substitution could maintain lactational performance while affecting fecal fermentation and microbiota. Replacing corn silage with TS did not affect milk yield, 4% fat-corrected milk, major milk components, or metabolic indicators. However, 50% replacement increased fecal bacterial richness and diversity, as reflected by ACE, Chao1, and Shannon indices, and altered the overall microbial community structure. This treatment also changed fecal volatile fatty acid profiles, including increasing the proportions of branched-chain volatile fatty acids. Overall, TS can replace up to 50% of the corn silage fraction in the ration of mid-lactation cows without compromising milk production or composition, while modifying hindgut microbial ecology and fermentation patterns, thereby offering greater ration flexibility when corn silage availability is limited or costly. Full article

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become a cornerstone in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet substantial heterogeneity in clinical outcomes persists. Easily accessible biomarkers that can reliably stratify prognosis in real-world practice are still lacking. The Lung Immune Prognostic Index (LIPI), integrating lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), has emerged as a promising candidate, yet its clinical relevance remains incompletely defined. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of 211 patients with metastatic NSCLC treated with second-line nivolumab between 2017 and 2025. Patients were categorized into three groups (good, intermediate, and poor) according to their LIPI score, and the relationships between LIPI and objective response, disease control, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Results: LIPI stratification effectively discriminated patients into prognostically distinct groups. Objective response rates were comparable across LIPI categories and did not differ significantly. In contrast, disease control declined progressively with worsening LIPI scores, reaching statistical significance (p < 0.001). Overall survival was significantly worse in patients with poor LIPI, demonstrating a clear stepwise reduction from good to poor LIPI groups (p = 0.007). Although progression-free survival showed a consistent numerical decrease across LIPI categories, this trend did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusions: In patients with metastatic NSCLC receiving second-line nivolumab in a real-world setting, LIPI reliably stratified overall survival and disease control outcomes, despite limited association with early response or progression-free survival. Its simplicity and reliance on routinely available laboratory parameters support its use as a clinically meaningful prognostic tool in everyday practice. Full article

Dairy cows typically respond to stressors by altering their behavior, such as reducing eating time (ET) and rumination time (RT). Although declines in milk yield (MY) have been extensively studied, models to quantify perturbations in ET and RT are still lacking. This study adopts a smoothing approach to identify and characterize perturbations in MY, ET, and RT in response to the main primary stressors, heat stress (HS), lameness (L), and mastitis (M), while evaluating the influences of parity and stage of lactation. A total of 350 Italian Simmental cows were monitored in farms equipped with automatic milking systems and accelerometers. Within this population, cows with a lactation period of at least 150 days were selected. A double-curve smoothing model (λ = 100 and λ = 10,000) was applied to calculate response and recovery times and to quantify production and feeding behavior losses. The results indicate that L causes the longest (30.6 d and 28.8 d, respectively) perturbations for both MY and ET. While L caused the greatest loss in milk production (14.7 kg), HS resulted in the greatest losses regarding feeding behavior (ET: 175.2 min and RT: 210.3 min). In general, M had a lower impact, likely due to the timeliness of treatments. Primiparous cows showed faster responses to stress but slower recovery times compared to multiparous ones. However, multiparous cows exhibited greater total MY losses. The method proved effective for quantifying resilience and opens new perspectives in health monitoring, allowing for the identification of both economic loss and each animal’s capacity to cope with pathological and environmental events, improving the overall sustainability of the dairy farm. Full article