Search Results (880)

Stress coping style (SCS) is crucial for animal welfare in the context of breeding. The link between behavioural traits and physiological responses to external stimuli is increasingly recognized and could orient the selection of appropriate SCSs for welfare-oriented breeding. This study aimed to evaluate how SCS influences the physiological responses of Sparus aurata, a widely used species in aquaculture, following Vibrio anguillarum stimulation. To this end, the serum protein electrophoretic profile, analysed by capillary electrophoresis, was used as an innovative parameter to assess physiological variations. S. aurata individuals were categorized into three SCS groups—bold, shy, and intermediate —based on a risk-taking test. Serum was collected at day 0 (pre-inactivated V. anguillarum inoculation) and at 30 and 60 days post-inoculation. Analyses revealed an increase in the β₂-globulin fraction, putatively associated with molecules involved in the physiological response following inactivated pathogen inoculation, accompanied by a decrease in the γ fraction over time. This trend was particularly pronounced in bold fish, while shy ones showed a similar but less marked pattern. Overall, the results suggest that proactive individuals exhibit a more marked physiological modulation to inactivated pathogen stimulation than reactive ones, highlighting modulation of serum protein electrophoresis as a sensitive bioindicator of physiological response in S. aurata. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary probiotic supplementation and stocking density on the growth performance, carcass traits, immunity, blood biochemical parameters, and ileal histomorphology of broiler chickens. A total of five hundred ten 1-day-old unsexed broiler chicks (Cobb 39) were allocated to three probiotic levels (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%) and two stocking densities (low vs. high). Results indicated that stocking density significantly influenced body weight from the third week onward, with birds reared under low density showing higher weight and better feed-to-gain ratio. Probiotic supplementation did not significantly affect weekly body weight, feed intake, or mortality, although mortality tended to be lower in probiotic-fed groups. Carcass traits and lymphoid organ indices were largely unaffected by treatments, except for a higher heart percentage in low-density birds. Cell-mediated immunity was enhanced under low stocking density, and probiotic supplementation at 0.2% increased the immune response at 48 h post-challenge. Blood biochemical analysis revealed significant effects of stocking density on total protein, globulin, and triglycerides, while probiotics reduced total lipid and LDL levels. Ileal histomorphology was significantly improved by probiotics, with increased villus height, crypt depth, and villus-to-crypt ratio. Similarly, low stocking density further enhanced these parameters. Overall, probiotic supplementation, particularly at 0.1%, combined with low stocking density, positively influenced gut morphology and immune responses, contributing to improved broiler health and performance. Full article

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder with diverse pathogenetic mechanisms and clinical manifestations. Phenotype D PCOS is characterized by oligomenorrhoea and polycystic ovaries without hyperandrogenism. Altered adipokine profiles may contribute to reproductive and metabolic disturbances. Chemerin is an adipokine involved in inflammatory and metabolic processes. It remains unclear whether altered chemerin levels in PCOS reflect metabolic dysfunction alone or are directly associated with hyperandrogenism. The aim of this study was to compare serum chemerin levels in women with normoandrogenic PCOS and a control group. Methods: This cross-sectional preliminary study included 49 women with phenotype D PCOS and 40 healthy, age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. Anthropometric, biochemical, hormonal parameters, and serum chemerin concentrations were assessed. Results: Serum chemerin concentrations did not differ significantly between the groups. In the PCOS group, the 95% confidence interval ranged from 198.61 to 234.37, while in the controls, it ranged from 187.13 to 216.21. In women with PCOS, chemerin showed significant positive correlations with weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, total adipose tissue, and both gynoid and android fat content. Positive correlations were also observed with highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and a negative correlation was found with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Chemerin was weakly negatively correlated with sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and positively correlated with the free androgen index (FAI). In the control group, chemerin correlated positively with CRP, insulin, triglycerides, total and gynoid adipose tissue, and negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol and SHBG. Conclusions Although chemerin levels did not differ from controls, chemerin was associated with metabolic and inflammatory markers in both groups. These findings should be considered preliminary due to the limited sample size. Chemerin may reflect metabolic and inflammatory status rather than hyperandrogenism in normoandrogenic PCOS. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Disorders caused by platelet-activating antibodies targeting platelet factor 4 (PF4) are recognized as the cause of severe thrombotic events and are not restricted to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Case Presentation: We report a 67-year-old man with thrombocytopenia and extensive portal-splenic-mesenteric vein thrombosis complicated by intestinal ischemia. Despite intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH), his condition worsened toward pulmonary embolism, septic shock, and multi-organ failure. Thrombolysis with alteplase was also ineffective. Both thrombophilia testing and autoimmune panels were negative, including those for antiphospholipid syndrome. An anti-PF4 immune thrombotic disorder was hypothesized. Therefore, argatroban was initiated instead of UFH therapy and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) was administered. The platelet count increased and the patient’s clinical condition progressively improved. An anti-PF4/heparin assay on a blood sample collected before IVIG was highly positive. Platelet activation assays did not demonstrate an increased activation after the addition of heparin (the Heparin-Induced Platelet Activation [HIPA] assay was negative) though increased activation was observed with the addition of PF4 (the PF4-Induced Platelet Activation [PIPA] assay was positive), thus defining a VITT-like syndrome. Conclusions: This case report highlights the crucial function of having adequate laboratory facilities available to disentangle different anti-PF4 disorders for an accurate definition of a specific diagnosis, such as VITT-like syndrome, thereby allowing for the most appropriate therapeutic management of these complex pathological conditions. The clinical suspicion of an anti-PF4 immune disorder should be considered in cases of severe, otherwise unexplained, thrombotic events associated with thrombocytopenia. Specific tests like HIPA and PIPA are essential for definitive diagnosis. Full article

Background: Feto-maternal hemorrhages (FMHs) due to placenta disruption and bleeding from fetal maternal circulation can lead to life-threatening fetal anemia. These hemorrhages are more often of small volume and remain unreported. Sensitization to fetal red blood cell (RBC) antigens can occur during pregnancy, at delivery, or after invasive procedures. The sensitized mother produces IgG antibodies (abs) that cross the placenta and cause the hemolysis of fetal RBCs, release of hemoglobin, and increased levels of unconjugated bilirubin in the fetus or neonate. The result is hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Methods: In this study, we aim to provide a structured overview of RBC alloimmunization in pregnancy. A literature search was conducted using PubMed. English articles published from January 2010 to October 2025 were selected by the authors. The contributing manuscripts focused on managing RBC alloimmunization in pregnancy, FMH screening and quantification, antenatal and postnatal testing, Rh immune globulin (Rh Ig or Anti-D) prophylaxis, and national registry data. Results: Frequencies of RBC abs vary among American, Caucasian, and Asian populations because of genetic diversity, different antibody detection and antibody identification methods, and FMH tests. More specifically, the erythrocyte rosette is a simple screening test for FMH. A positive rosette must be quantified by the Kleihauer–Betke (KB) or flow cytometry (FC). The KB results may be overestimated or underestimated. The advantages of FC include high accuracy, specificity, and repeatability. Ultimately, anti-D prophylaxis protocol varies from country to country. Conclusion: Maternal alloimmunization is an uncommon and highly variable event. Although introducing anti-D prophylaxis has decreased the Rh immunization rate, it is still an unmet medical need. In brief, mitigation strategies for RBC alloimmunization risk include accurate maternal and neonatal testing at different time points, adequate Rh immune globulin prophylaxis in D-negative pregnant women, preventing sensitizing events, adopting a conservative transfusion policy, and upfront ABO and Rh (C/c, E/e) and Kell matching in females under 50 years of age. Full article

Women of reproductive age, especially those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), often use glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) to improve their metabolic functions. A growing body of evidence suggests that GLP-1R signaling may directly affect ovarian physiology, influencing granulosa cell proliferation, survival pathways, and steroidogenic production, in addition to its systemic metabolic effects. Nonetheless, there is a limited comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that regulate these activities and their correlation with menstrual function, reproductive potential, and assisted reproduction. This comprehensive review focuses on ovarian biology, granulosa cell signaling networks, steroidogenesis, and translational fertility outcomes, integrating clinical, in vivo, and in vitro information to elucidate the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on reproductive health. We conducted a thorough search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for randomized trials, prospective studies, animal models, and cellular experiments evaluating the effects of GLP-1RA on reproductive or ovarian outcomes, in accordance with PRISMA criteria. The retrieved data included metabolic changes, androgen levels, monthly regularity, ovarian structure, granulosa cell growth and death, FOXO1 signaling, FSH-cAMP-BMP pathway activity, and fertility or IVF results. Clinical trials shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists improve menstrual regularity, decrease body weight and central adiposity, increase sex hormone-binding globulin levels, and lower free testosterone in overweight and obese women with PCOS. Liraglutide, when combined with metformin, significantly improved IVF pregnancy rates, whereas exenatide increased natural conception rates. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that GLP-1R activation affects FOXO1 phosphorylation, hence promoting granulosa cell proliferation and anti-apoptotic processes. Incretin signaling altered steroidogenesis by reducing the levels of StAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD, so inhibiting FSH-induced progesterone synthesis, while simultaneously enhancing BMP-Smad signaling. Animal studies demonstrated both beneficial (enhanced follicular growth, anti-apoptotic effects) and detrimental results (oxidative stress, granulosa cell death, uterine inflammation), indicating a context- and dose-dependent response. GLP-1 receptor agonists influence female reproductive biology by altering overall physiological processes and specifically impacting the ovaries via FOXO1 regulation, steroidogenic enzyme expression, and BMP-mediated FSH signaling. Preliminary clinical data indicate improved reproductive function in PCOS, as seen by increased pregnancy rates in both natural and IVF cycles; nevertheless, animal studies reveal a potential risk of ovarian and endometrial damage. These results highlight the need for controlled human research to clarify reproductive safety, molecular pathways, and optimum therapy timing, particularly in non-PCOS patients and IVF settings. Full article

A global interest in the cultivation of Kalibaus (Labeo calbasu) has emerged due to decreasing natural stocks and a consistent rise in market value and demand. Given these concerns, understanding the species’ physiological responses to environmental changes is crucial. The present research aimed to assess the effect of varying environmental temperatures on metabolism, haemato-biochemical indices, hormonal concentrations and immune responses in L. calbasu. This study was conducted in triplicate using 100 L glass aquariums at four different temperatures: 22, 26, 30, and 34 °C. The highest weight and length gain were observed at 30 °C, while the lowest occurred at 22 °C. Notably, the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.51 ± 0.03 was also recorded at 30 °C. Although haematological and biochemical parameters remained within normal ranges, they varied with temperature changes. Indicators of cold and heat stress were evident through lower hematocrit levels and higher white blood cell (WBC) counts. Biochemical indicators such as serum albumin (1.84 ± 0.05 g dL⁻¹), serum globulin (1.64 ± 0.06 gdL⁻¹), HCO₃ (30.93 ± 0.62), Na⁺ (115.60 ± 3.72 mmolL⁻¹), alkaline phosphatase (93.33 ± 9.39 AP, IUL⁻¹), and AST/SGOT (21.00 ± 4.55 UL⁻¹) were significantly higher at 30 °C. Regarding hormonal responses, peak levels of growth hormone (GH), triiodothyronine (T3) (1.44 ± 0.07 ngmL⁻¹), and thyroxine (T4) were recorded at 30 °C. Meanwhile, serum cortisol (1.62 ± 0.06 µgdL⁻¹) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (18.01 ± 3.26 pgmL⁻¹) were highest at 34 °C. Immune responses were strongest between 26 and 30 °C. In conclusion, the results suggest that L. calbasu should ideally be cultured between 26 and 30 °C for optimum growth and health, making it ideal for commercial farming. Full article

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has demonstrated potential in reshaping gut microbiota to improve animal phenotypes, yet its application in lean-type to obese-type pigs like Ningxiang (NX) pigs remains unclear. To address this, we investigated the effects of Lean Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) pig-derived fecal microbiota on the growth, gut microbiota composition, and serum metabolism of obese NX pigs. Thirty-six 50-day-old castrated male NX pigs of similar initial body weight were randomly assigned to either a control group or FMT group. The trial lasted for 35 days. Results indicated that FMT significantly improved the average daily gain and increased nutrient digestibility. Serum biochemical analysis revealed elevated levels of globulin and total protein and reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the FMT group. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that FMT modified gut microbiota composition and diversity, enriching beneficial genera such as Blautia, Agathobacter, Faecalibacterium, and Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group. Untargeted serum metabolomics further revealed altered metabolite profiles linked to lipid and amino acid metabolism. Correlation analysis further revealed a link between these enriched bacteria and metabolites changes. Overall, these findings demonstrate that transplantation of the fecal microbiota from lean DLY pigs significantly improved the growth performance of obese NX pigs by improving nutrient digestibility and modulating the gut microbiota–host metabolic axis. Full article

The inherent chemical composition of different rice varieties can significantly influence the quality of sweet rice wine. However, most studies on sweet rice wine overlook varietal characteristics, resulting in slow progress in breeding rice varieties specialized for sweet rice wine production. To investigate the relationship between the inherent chemical composition of various rice varieties, such as starch, protein, and crude fat content, and their corresponding rice wines, 16 rice varieties with significant compositional variation were used in this study. The results revealed that screening solely for glutinous or non-glutinous rice is insufficient to select suitable raw materials for sweet rice wine production. Correlation analysis showed that the total sugar content of sweet rice wine was primarily associated with starch properties. In contrast, the formation of alcoholic strength and juice yield was more complex, exhibiting close correlations with multiple rice components, including amylose, albumin, globulin, crude fat, tannin content, and others. Furthermore, interactions among these components were also significantly correlated with these quality traits. In conclusion, amylose content, the ratio of amylose to amylopectin, gel consistency, and albumin content are important indicators for the rapid screening of high-quality rice lines, as they strongly correlate with sweet rice wine quality. These results will facilitate the development of rice varieties specialized for sweet rice wine production. Full article

The interaction of metals with serum γ-globulins is of particular interest, as it can modulate immune system function and lead to unforeseen consequences following the intake of metal ions or their complexes, which are often considered (pro)drugs. This paper focuses on the interactions between gold(III) species and bovine or human serum γ-globulins in aqueous solutions. Using UV-Vis, fluorescence, and CD (circular dichroism) spectroscopy in diluted or 0.1 M NaCl aqueous solutions, we determined the most probable stoichiometry of the gold(III)-protein associates and their conditional binding constants. On average, 13 to 19 gold atoms bind per protein molecule, depending on the medium and protein origin, with apparent binding constants ranging from 3.6 to 4.6 (log K values; hydroxyl-containing complexes exhibit lower binding affinity). CD spectra revealed no changes in protein secondary structure induced by the increase in electrolyte concentration. However, the addition of gold(III) species resulted in a decrease in β-sheet content and a corresponding increase in turns or disordered fragments. Full article

Amaranth 11S globulin is a plant protein that is renowned for its high essential amino acid content and nutritional value. It has undergone modification through the insertion of antihypertensive peptides valine-tyrosine (VY), which act as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The expression of this protein was carried out in E. coli. Despite the potential of this protein, an efficient purification method is still required to allow its evaluation and subsequent application. This work proposes a procedure that allows for high purification and yield. After obtaining the purified proteins from the inclusion bodies and purifying them in an insoluble form, it was determined that this process did not affect their bioactivity. Full article

The success rate of embryo transfer (ET) is influenced by various factors, including embryo quality, environmental conditions, and recipient cows. This study examines the impact of ET on embryo success rates using embryos produced using the ovum pickup method, with fresh and frozen embryos generated on day 7 after in vitro fertilization and subsequently implanted into recipient cows. The factors that contributed to the success rate of ET were investigated, with a focus on embryo type, parity, and farm management. Furthermore, metabolic profile tests were conducted to determine the factors underlying the observed differences in pregnancy rates across the farms. The analysis revealed that pregnancy rates did not significantly differ according to embryo type or parity. However, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the glucose, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acid, total protein, globulin, albumin/globulin, and aspartate aminotransferase levels of the recipients. Furthermore, a comparison of farms with high and low pregnancy rates revealed significant differences in the glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin levels (p < 0.05). Differences between farms were associated with the feed management strategy, which highlights the significance of optimal recipient cow management. Full article

This research determined the milk performance and milk and blood biochemical indicators of dairy goats fed with black oat supplements. The experiment was conducted on 20 French Alpine goats on the 48th day of lactation, divided into two groups of 10 goats each (initial body weights (BW) of 53.90 and 52.15 kg). The research lasted for 30 days, and the monitoring of production properties and blood sampling were carried out on the 1st, 15th, and 30th days of the research. Goats in the BOG group were fed a diet in which yellow oats were gradually replaced with black oats, whereas goats in the COG group received a diet containing yellow oats (CP: 143.64 vs. 150.40 g/kg DM; EE: 48.60 vs. 48.80 g/kg DM; NEL: 7.18 vs. 7.19 MJ/kg DM). These values were subjected to repeated-measures analysis using the PROC MIXED procedure and were further analyzed using Tukey’s post hoc test. Compared with the COG group, no significant differences were observed in the BOG group for the production performance of the goats, except for a slightly increased milk yield (1264.94 vs. 1542.10 g/day, p = 0.098) and reduced concentrations of urea and globulin in the milk of the BOG group (7.90 vs. 7.05 mmol/L, p = 0.081; 5.16 vs. 3.96 g/L, p = 0.091). In the blood of BOG goats, a significantly lower urea concentration was detected (8.75 vs. 7.05 mmol/L, p = 0.020). However, compared with the COG group, goats in the BOG group showed a slight increase (p > 0.05) in protein fractions and a decrease in lipid-related indicators in the blood. These findings confirm the moderate benefit of black oats as a dietary supplement in feed for lactating goats. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a compound probiotic on production performance and antioxidant capacity in post-molting broiler breeders. A total of 6800 healthy 69-week-old Arbor Acres breeders were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups (4 replicates of 850 birds each). Both groups were fed an identical basal diet, whereas the drinking water was supplemented with 75 g/t of the compound probiotic for the Experimental group only. The trial included a 7-day adaptation followed by a 49-day experimental period. Results demonstrated that drinking water supplementation with dietary compound probiotic preparation improved the laying performance rate, fertilization rate, and hatchability compared to the control (p < 0.05). The serum total antioxidant capacity was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05), while a concurrent trend of reduction in MDA content was also noted (p = 0.086). Significant decreases in serum total protein and globulin levels were observed (p < 0.05). Antioxidant profiles in reproductive tissues were also improved, with increased superoxide dismutase activity in the liver and oviduct, enhanced total antioxidant capacity in the ovary and oviduct, and a concurrent decrease in malondialdehyde content in the oviduct (p < 0.05). Furthermore, serum immunoglobulin M, and cecal butyric acid and isobutyric acid contents were higher in the compound probiotic preparation group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing drinking water with the compound probiotic during the post-molting period enhanced production performance, antioxidant status, and immune and gut health in aging broiler breeders, supporting the preservation of valuable poultry genetic resources. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate how parity (primiparous vs. multiparous) influences metabolic profile, performance, and offspring growth in grazing Nellore cows, and to explore potential associations among key metabolic traits, milk yield, and performance indicators. Thirty-four pregnant Nellore cows at approximately 230 ± 20 days of gestation were sorted by parity group and randomly allocated into one of six Uruchloa decumbens pastures, totaling 17 multiparous cows (597.8 ± 39 kg; age = 4 to 6 yrs) and 17 primiparous cows (407 ± 33 kg, age = 2 to 3 yrs). Considering calving day as day 0, cow full BW and BCS were collected on days −63, −21, −7, 0, 7, 21, 63, 91, 140 and 203. Cow blood samples were collected on days −21, −14, −7, 0, 7, 14, 21, 42, 63, 91, 140 and 203. Milk yield was measured in the following day after all blood collections. Primiparous cows had higher glucose on days −7 and 0 (p = 0.04), greater NEFA concentration from −14 to 63 days (p < 0.001), and lower IGF-1 concentration from days 7 to 42 but higher on days 140 and 203 (p < 0.001). They also exhibited lower total proteins, albumin, and globulins, but higher serum urea N concentration (p < 0.001). Primiparous cows also had lower milk yield (p = 0.02), calf birth (p = 0.02) and weaning weights (p = 0.01) compared with multiparous cows. Pearson correlation analysis revealed distinct metabolic and physiological interrelationships across gestational and lactational stages in multiparous and primiparous cows. Overall, multiparous cows showed a less catabolic metabolic profile during the periparturient period to lactation. Primiparous cows experienced a more intense mobilization of body reserves during the early lactation period, but a more positive nutritional status towards late lactation, evidenced by recovery of IGF-1 levels and body weight gain. Full article