Search Results (38,978)

Reproductive performance in livestock and poultry is a core determinant of economic efficiency in the animal industry. While traditional research has primarily focused on genetics, endocrinology, and immune regulation, emerging microbiome studies reveal that commensal microbiota within the gut and reproductive tracts play an underestimated yet pivotal role in host reproductive health. This review systematically synthesizes recent advances regarding the relationship between the microbiome and reproductive functions in major livestock species (cattle, pigs, sheep, and chickens). We first delineate the theoretical basis and mechanisms of the “gut-reproductive axis,” highlighting cross-system communication mediated by microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), indoles, and bile acids. Subsequently, we provide an in-depth comparative analysis of the microecological features of both female (vagina/uterus) and male (semen/epididymis) reproductive systems, examining their impacts on fertility, sperm quality, and pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, we explore the molecular and systemic mechanisms governing microbial regulation of reproduction, encompassing the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the balance of local mucosal immunity and inflammation, and epigenetic regulation. Finally, we address current challenges—such as causal validation and the scarcity of multi-species databases—and propose future directions, including spatial multi-omics, AI-integrated analysis, and microbial intervention strategies. Ultimately, this review aims to offer a theoretical foundation and translational insights for elucidating reproductive regulatory networks and developing microbiome-driven precision strategies to enhance reproductive performance. Full article

Dogs increasingly function as relational beings, shaping their guardians’ emotional well-being and daily routines. Consequently, dog owner education has expanded beyond behaviour-focused training toward integrative approaches that address the emotional, relational, and cognitive dimensions of the human–dog relationship. Despite this shift, international comparative research on the organisation and institutionalisation of dog owner education remains limited. The study applies a qualitative exploratory comparative case study to examine systems in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Australia, identifying national patterns and shared components to inform context-appropriate frameworks, particularly in South Korea. The study examines legal and policy documents, institutional guidelines, and standardised education programmes that function as national or de facto standards using document and content analysis. It integrates within- and cross-case comparisons and interprets findings through a framework drawing on human–animal interaction, attachment, canine behaviour, and cognitive–behavioural coaching theories. The analysis reveals five shared components of behaviour change: guardian responsibility and animal welfare, science-based positive reinforcement, early socialisation and prevention, a balance between standardisation and individualisation, and guardians’ emotional and relational engagement. These findings suggest that dog owner education functions as an integrated system that supports responsible guardianship and stable human–dog relationships across sociocultural contexts. Full article

Today, machine learning (ML) is generally considered a potent and efficient tool for addressing studies in various diverse domains, including image processing and event prediction on a timescale. ML represents complex relations between features, and these mappings between such features may be applied in simulations of time-dependent events, such as the behavior of animals. Still, ML inherently strongly depends on extensive and consistent datasets, a fact that reveals both the benefits and drawbacks of ML. In the use of ML, insufficient or skewed data can limit the ability of algorithms to accurately predict or generalize possible states. To overcome this limitation, this work proposes an integrated hybrid approach that combines machine learning with methods from cognitive science, here especially inspired by the ACT-R model to approach cases of missing or unbalanced data. By incorporating cognitive processes such as memory, perception, and attention, the model accounts for the internal mechanisms of decision-making and environmental interaction where traditional ML methods fall short. This approach is particularly useful in representing states that are not directly observable or are underrepresented in the data, such as rare behavioral responses for animals, or adaptive strategies. Experimental results show that the combination of machine learning for data-driven analysis and cognitive ‘rule-based’ frameworks for filling in gaps provides a more comprehensive model of animal behavior. The findings suggest that this hybrid approach to simulation models can offer a more robust and consistent way to study complex, real-world phenomena, especially when data is inherently incomplete or unbalanced. Full article

Chronic back pain (CBP) associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of medical consultations, decreased quality of life, and temporary and permanent disability. The mechanisms of CBP development and persistence in patients with IVDD have been studied for many years, but this issue remains far from resolved. The search for predictive biomarkers that could help identify patients with IVDD at high risk for CBP continues. In recent decades, research has shown increasing interest in identifying epigenetic biomarkers for this disorder. to summarize the results of preclinical and clinical studies on the role of microRNAs (miRs) as epigenetic biomarkers of the development and progression of CBP in patients with IVDD. English-language articles; original experimental (preclinical) studies; original clinical study; assessment of changes in systemic (in blood) and/or local (in intervertebral disk (IVD)) levels of miR expression in IVDD, either independently or in comparison with healthy controls; and studies that were completed and the results of which were published. PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar, Scopus, Oxford Press, Cochrane, and e-Library databases. Charting for this scoping review involved developing a data extraction form to summarize extracts and organize data from included studies. This was an iterative process where the charting tables and figures may be refined as the review progresses. 126 studies were analyzed in detail, focusing on their study designs and comparing changes in miR expression in animal models of IVDD and in patients with IVDD compared to healthy controls. During the preparation of this scoping review and upon subsequent detailed review of the original publications, it turned out that the results of one study were not justified by the authors due to identified technological problems (the article was withdrawn by the editorial board of the journal). Therefore, we excluded the results of this study from the subsequent analysis. As a result, this section summarizes the results of 60 preclinical and 65 clinical studies. Some miRs (e.g., miR-21 and miR-132) are associated with the regulation of inflammatory pathways that contribute to increased degradation of IVD extracellular matrix and enhanced nociceptive signaling through various mechanisms, contributing to the progression of CBP. Other miRs (e.g., miR-145 and miR-223) exert protective effects, enhance regenerative potential, and alleviate CBP. Despite the promising results of these studies, there are limitations in the use of miRs as perspective epigenetic biomarkers of CBP in patients with IVDD because the pattern of potentially predictive and protective miRs in relation to the mechanisms of CBP formation and progression in IVDD has not yet been sufficiently studied. The results of some preclinical and clinical studies are contradictory. Further research is needed to clarify the role of miR signatures in animal models and clinical trials on IVDD-specific CBP. Full article

Animals may offer vital psychosocial support, particularly for neurodiverse individuals. However, evidence surrounding the effects of pet ownership remains equivocal, especially in relation to cat–human dynamics. This study explored the relationship between cat–human-related factors (CHRFs) and psychological well-being in a sample of 127 adults, including individuals formally diagnosed with autism (30), ADHD (15), and/or co-occurring autism and ADHD (AuADHD; 22). Participants completed measures assessing neurodiverse traits, CHRF engagement, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Spearman’s correlations analysed the relationships between CHRFs, neurodiverse traits, and well-being. Kruskal–Wallis tests established group differences in well-being and engagement in CHRFs between individuals with and without neurodevelopmental differences. The findings confirmed that autistic and ADHD traits were positively associated with greater anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Autistic individuals reported significantly elevated anxiety and depression; co-occurring diagnoses (AuADHD) were associated with heightened anxiety. Neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals demonstrated similar patterns of CHRF engagement. Several CHRFs, such as anxious cat behaviour, inability to provide for the cat, poor cat health, and close proximity, were linked to negative well-being outcomes. These findings highlight the nuanced, bi-directional nature of cat–human interactions, underscoring the importance of mitigating negative relational factors to support mental health in neurodiverse populations. Full article

A retrospective study on 135 cases of teat and udder surgical conditions in 129 small ruminants is described. On 19 repairs of teat lacerations, a primary- and a secondary-intention healing in 13 (68%) and in 4 (21%) cases, respectively, was observed; 2 (11%) had poor response and consequent mastitis. Good outcome and first-intention healing in 100% of the fistula repairs (2 cases), thelectomies (5 cases), teat neoplasm removals (14), and mastectomies (2 cases) were observed. Among 26 teat curettage cases, all 18 (69%) unilateral lesions treatment had a good outcome versus the 8 (31%) with bilateral lesion that suffered definitive relapse. In 67 skin udder neoplasm removals, a primary- and a secondary-intention healing in 59 (88%) and in 8 (12%) cases, respectively, was observed; however, 2 of the latter suffered mastitis. These procedures are associated with a good prognosis, and the percentage of favorable outcomes was high. Wound infections and dehiscence were the main complications observed. More interest in teat and udder surgery on small ruminants should be encouraged, and farmers should be made aware that the animal can often return into production at a reasonable cost; however, their post-operative care is the key to success. Full article

The recent growth of Blue Economy-related human activities has increased underwater noise pollution. Sound is a key factor in ensuring the well-being of marine animals as it allows them to communicate with each other and extract valuable information from the environment. Although the Marine Strategy Framework Directive requires monitoring programs to achieve good environmental status, there remains a significant deficit of information concerning three key domains: the characteristics of the underwater soundscape, its transformation due to anthropogenic activities, and the effects of noise on marine animals. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic activities on marine acoustic environments. Acoustic metrics and ecoacoustic indices were applied to characterise variability and assess daily, weekly, and seasonal patterns, as well as the effects of trawling restrictions. Three underwater soundscapes were compared in this study: two natural environments in the Mediterranean Sea and one artificial environment, a land-based fish farm tank. High anthropogenic noise levels were found, primarily due to fishing vessels near the selected locations. Similarly, the soundscape exhibited notable seasonal variations (annual and weekly), demonstrating a significant dependence on tourist activities. The results highlight the benefits of acoustic parameters as a tool for monitoring environmental conditions over time. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders are associated with progressive cognitive decline, primarily driven by cholinergic dysfunction and impaired synaptic signaling. Hericium erinaceus, also known as lion’s mane mushroom, has been reported to promote neuronal differentiation and synaptic plasticity. In this study, a standardized H. erinaceus extract powder (HEP) was prepared from fruiting bodies and quantified using hericene A as a marker compound. The neuroprotective effects of HEP were then evaluated in both cellular and animal models of scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction. Pretreatment of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells with HEP (5–25 μg/mL) significantly improved cell viability and reduced scopolamine-induced apoptosis, while enhancing the activation of neuroplasticity-related signaling proteins, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). In vivo, oral administration of HEP (300 mg/kg) to scopolamine-treated ICR mice markedly improved cognitive performance, increasing the recognition index to 63.8% compared with 41.6% in the scopolamine group, and enhancing spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test to 59.6%. These cognitive improvements were accompanied by preserved hippocampal neuronal structure and increased BDNF immunoreactivity. Additionally, HEP improved cholinergic function by restoring serum acetylcholine levels and reducing acetylcholinesterase activity. Collectively, these findings suggest that standardized HEP exerts neuroprotective and cognition-enhancing effects via modulation of cholinergic markers and activation of BDNF-mediated neuroplasticity, highlighting its potential as a functional food ingredient or nutraceutical for preventing cognitive decline related to cholinergic dysfunction. Full article

This study aimed to assess phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of lyophilized black currant fruit juice (BCLJ) and its corresponding waste extract (BCLW) from the Čačanska crna variety, and to evaluate their antiproliferative properties. The main anthocyanins quantified through HPLC-DAD analysis were delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, with significantly higher levels in BCLW. Antioxidant activity was examined using the DPPH and β-carotene/linoleic acid methods, with BCLW showing superior effects in both. Antiproliferative potential was evaluated by determining the Ki67 index in renal epithelial cells of rats treated with BCLJ or BCLW. Thirty healthy male rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 6) and administered BCLJ or BCLW orally for ten days, receiving 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg b.w. of BCLW (BCLW1, BCLW2, and BCLW3 groups, respectively) or 200 mg of BCLJ. Histopathological and immunohistochemical parameters were assessed in rats’ kidneys. Across all epithelial types (cortical proximal tubules, distal medullary proximal tubules, collecting ducts, and urothelial cells of the renal pelvis), the highest Ki67 indices were observed in control animals, particularly in collecting ducts and cortical proximal tubules. The lowest Ki67 values in cortical proximal tubules occurred in the BCLW2 group (p < 0.05 vs. control). These findings suggest that black currant preparations could be valuable functional ingredients. Full article

Aquaculture has grown rapidly worldwide and has become a key source of food and employment opportunities. However, its expansion faces environmental, health, reproductive, and technological challenges that threaten its long-term sustainability. In this context, biologists play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices and integrated management of aquaculture systems. This article reviews their main contributions to animal health, genetic improvement, assisted reproduction, and resource conservation. They also highlight their leadership in applying advanced technologies, including biotechnology, nanotechnology, and genetic engineering. Moreover, this study explores emerging research trends and emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary training to address the evolving demands of the sector. This underscores the need to strengthen collaboration between science, technology, and public policy to ensure sustainable aquaculture. Enhancing the role of biologists is essential for overcoming current challenges and advancing efficient, ethical, and environmentally responsible aquaculture systems that meet global demand. Full article

Automatic Milking Systems (AMSs) enable the continuous recording of production, milkability, behavioral, and physiological traits, offering new opportunities for genetic evaluation in dairy cattle. This study aimed to estimate variance components and genetic parameters for milk yield-related traits, milking efficiency traits, rumination time (RT), and daily average milk temperature (MTEMP) using AMS-derived data from 1252 Holstein cows. 65,475 weekly records from a single commercial herd were analyzed using repeatability animal models fitted by restricted maximum likelihood. Heritability estimates were moderate to high for milking time (MT) (0.31), milking speed (MS) (0.38), RT (0.30), and MTEMP (0.28), whereas behavioral traits such as number of milking (NoM) (0.26) and number of refused (NoREF) (0.11) showed lower but meaningful heritabilities. Repeatability was highest for MT and MS (0.77 and 0.79), indicating consistent milking performance across repeated records. MTEMP demonstrated clear seasonal variation, increasing in warmer periods and decreasing during colder months, indicating sensitivity to environmental conditions. Genetic correlations among traits revealed both favorable and unfavorable associations; however, several estimates were associated with relatively large standard errors and should therefore be interpreted with caution. The inclusion of MTEMP as a proxy physiological trait derived from AMS data showed measurable genetic variation, although its biological interpretation requires careful consideration. Overall, the results suggest that AMS-derived phenotypes may contribute useful information for genetic studies of functional traits, but the single-herd structure, limited pedigree depth, and data aggregation procedures restrict the generalizability of the findings. Further multi-herd and genomics-based studies are required to validate these results and assess their applicability in breeding programs. Full article

Psychological stress is increasingly investigated as a potentially modifiable factor in male infertility, in part through oxidative stress. This narrative review synthesizes mechanistic and translational evidence linking stress-related neuroendocrine activation and coping behaviors with redox imbalance in the male reproductive tract. Chronic activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and sympathetic outflow elevates glucocorticoids and catecholamines. In controlled animal stress paradigms, this is accompanied by suppression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and by immune and metabolic changes that favor reactive oxygen species generation. The resulting oxidative stress may reduce Leydig cell steroidogenesis, impair testicular and epididymal function, and induce lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and sperm DNA fragmentation. In such models, these lesions, together with apoptosis of germ and supporting cells, are associated with lower sperm concentration, reduced motility, compromised viability, and diminished fertilizing potential. Overall, preclinical animal studies using defined stress paradigms provide experimental evidence consistent with causal effects of stress on oxidative injury and reproductive impairment in preclinical settings. Human studies linking perceived stress, anxiety/depression, and disturbed sleep to adverse semen parameters and oxidative biomarkers are summarized. However, the human evidence is predominantly associative, and the available studies are cross sectional and remain vulnerable to residual confounding and reverse causality. Potential effect modifiers, including smoking, alcohol use, and circadian disruption, are also discussed as contributors to heterogeneity across clinical studies. Standardized assessment of stress biology and redox status, longitudinal designs aligned with spermatogenic timing, and well-powered intervention trials are needed to define dose–response relationships and support individualized prevention and care. Full article

Periostin is a matricellular protein induced by type 2 cytokines. It has been shown to play important roles in airway inflammation and tissue remodeling. Although periostin has been studied in asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis, its role in allergic rhinitis (AR) and nasal hyperresponsiveness (NHR) is unclear. This study aimed to determine whether periostin is involved in the development of NHR in AR. A murine AR model was established by sensitization and repeated intranasal challenges with Japanese cedar pollen (JCP). In this animal model of AR, an increase in nasal responsiveness to histamine was observed 24 h after the last JCP challenge, indicating the development of NHR. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the JCP-induced NHR was accompanied by increased periostin gene expression. Immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated the expression of integrin subunits α_V (Itgav), β₃ (Itgb3) and β₅ (Itgb5), which are known as receptors for periostin, in the nasal mucosa, especially in the mucosal epithelium. Notably, repeated intranasal administration of recombinant periostin to healthy I mice reproduced the NHR phenotype, as observed in AR model mice. These findings suggest that periostin upregulation in the nasal mucosa plays a causal role in the development of NHR, a key feature of AR. Full article

In populations with limited genotyping, single-step genomic best linear unbiased predictions (ssGBLUP) can produce biased or less accurate genomic predictions due to incompatibilities between genomic and pedigree relationship matrices. The study evaluated the impact of five alternative ssGBLUP models for genomic predictions of milk, fat, and protein yield production traits in South African Holstein cattle. The dataset included 696,413 milk production records and pedigrees of 541,325 animals. Production traits were 305-day lactation yields for milk, protein, and fat. Genotype data were based on the Illumina 50K chip v3, with 53,218 SNPs. A total of 1221 animals with genotypes and 41,407 SNP markers were in the final dataset. The five models used to estimate genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) were the single-step method (ssGBLUP), ssGBLUP accounting for inbreeding (ssGBLUP_Fx), ssGBLUP with unknown parent groups (ssGBLUP_upg), and two ssGBLUP models with blending, tuning, and scaling parameters set to optimum values in constructing the inverse of the unified relationship matrix (ssGBLUP_adjusted). Realized prediction accuracies were highest for ssGBLUP_adjusted models (6–7% improvements compared to ssGBLUP). Accuracy of GEBVs for milk, protein, and fat yields ranged from 0.23, 0.29, and 0.30 for both ssGBLUP and ssGBLUP_Fx, 0.26, 0.32, and 0.34 for ssGBLUP_upg, and 0.29, 0.35, and 0.37 for ssGBLUP_adjusted models, respectively. Corresponding bias, expressed as regression coefficients, ranged from 0.30, 0.31, and 0.36 for ssGBLUP; 0.31, 0.32, and 0.37 for ssGBLUP_Fx; 0.41, 0.44, and 0.49 for ssGBLUP_upg; and 0.44, 0.47, and 0.53 for ssGBLUP_adjusted models, respectively. The improved accuracy and reduced bias observed with the ssGBLUP_adjusted underscores the importance of optimizing the blending of pedigree- and genome-based relationships to achieve more reliable GEBVs, thereby improving selection decisions in Holstein dairy cattle. Full article

The human gut microbiome and its relationship with both physiological and pathological functions have long intrigued researchers. One of the most fascinating and important areas within this domain is cognitive function. Given that a substantial number of studies, especially interventional ones, have been conducted on animal models, the findings of which are not fully generalizable to humans and may therefore be misinterpreted, the purpose of this study is to synthesize evidence from the most recent human research. Current evidence indicates that the gut microbiota is linked to cognitive function in both healthy and diseased states, with numerous studies suggesting a potential causal relationship between the two. Although the majority of these studies associate changes in cognitive function with differences in the composition of the gut microbiota, some findings also indicate an inverse relationship. Full article