Search Results (56)

This study evaluated the effects of reduced inclusion levels of coated inorganic compound trace elements as a reduced substitution for uncoated inorganic trace elements in layer breeder diets. A total of 360 Hy-Line Brown layer breeder hens were randomly assigned to three groups, with six replicate pens of 20 hens per group: control group A (inorganic trace elements), group B (500 mg/kg coated inorganic compound trace elements), and group C (1000 mg/kg coated inorganic compound trace elements). Compared with the control, the coated trace element groups significantly increased the laying rate, eggshell strength and yolk color, and decreased the cracked egg rate and feed-to-egg ratio (p < 0.05). Group B had a lower cracked egg rate and a higher egg shape index than group C. Regarding eggshell ultrastructure, group B had a greater effective layer thickness and proportion and a lower mammillary layer thickness and proportion (p < 0.05), while group C presented increased mammillary width. The coated trace elements increased the deposition of Mn, Zn, and Se in eggs and increased serum GSH-Px and Cu-Zn SOD activities and the T3 concentration. No significant differences in hatching performance were observed among the groups. For progeny, groups B and C had higher birth weight, pectoralis muscle weight, and liver weight, as well as improved serum antioxidant indices and intestinal morphology (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of intestinal tight junction genes was upregulated in group C (p < 0.05) and showed a modest increase in group B. In conclusion, the coated inorganic compound trace elements, when used at reduced inclusion rates, replaced the conventional uncoated inorganic premix without compromising production performance and improved several performance outcomes. The 500 mg/kg inclusion level provided the most balanced improvements in breeder performance and progeny quality while reducing feed costs. These findings suggest that coated mineral technology may sustain productivity at a substantially lower mineral input and may benefit progeny by increasing egg mineral deposition and supporting intestinal development, thereby providing a more sustainable mineral-feeding strategy for breeder hens. Full article

The present investigation was designed to assess how perinatal contact with the pyrethroid insecticide cyfluthrin (CY) influences cognitive performance in developing rat progeny and to clarify the contributing cellular events through examination of neuroinflammatory processes alongside pyroptotic and apoptotic pathways. An experimental framework involving CY administration during gestation was implemented using Sprague–Dawley (SD) dams, with subsequent monitoring of placental parameters and neonatal outcomes. Once offspring reached postnatal day twenty-one, their behavior was characterized via a battery consisting of the open field paradigm, novel object recognition task, and the Morris water navigation test. Hippocampal tissue architecture and fine structural details were visualized by employing hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining and Nissl substance labeling. Protein and transcript abundances for pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6), synaptic constituents (postsynaptic density protein-95, PSD-95; synaptophysin, SYP), and pyroptotic machinery components (NLRP3, GSDMD, Caspase-1) within hippocampal homogenates were quantified through immunoblotting and real-time quantitative PCR procedures, and the spatial distribution of these molecules was validated via immunohistochemical detection. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining. The results demonstrated that gestational CY exposure led to reduced placental weight and diameter, decreased blood sinus area in the labyrinth zone, lower offspring birth weight, and impaired catch-up growth. Behavioral tests revealed that CY-exposed offspring exhibited diminished spontaneous locomotor activity, impaired novel object recognition memory, and significant deficits in spatial learning and memory. Pathological analysis showed disorganized neuronal arrangement and reduced Nissl bodies in the hippocampal CA1 region. Compared to the control group, CY exposure markedly upregulated the protein expression of TNF-α and IL-6, downregulated PSD-95 and SYP, activated the NLRP3/GSDMD/Caspase-1-mediated pyroptotic pathway, and increased the expression of the apoptotic protein Caspase-3, culminating in a significant increase in hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. In conclusion, early-life exposure to cyfluthrin impairs cognitive function in offspring, an effect closely associated with the induction of hippocampal neuroinflammation and the activation of pyroptotic and apoptotic pathways. These findings provide novel toxicological evidence for a more comprehensive assessment of the potential health risks posed by CY exposure in human populations. Full article

Cellular senescence and polyploidy are fundamental stress responses that shape cancer progression and therapeutic outcomes. While senescence initially suppresses tumor growth, senescent cells accumulate in aging and therapy-exposed tissues and actively remodel the tumor microenvironment through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and extracellular matrix (ECM) reorganization. Senescent stromal cells increase collagen deposition and generate disordered matrix architectures, as evidenced by enhanced second harmonic generation (SHG) signal and increased anisotropic variation across in vitro systems, 3D co-culture models, and fibrotic lung tissues. These biochemical and mechanical alterations promote cancer cell plasticity and create conditions permissive for disease progression. Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are a rare but highly resilient cancer cell population enriched under genotoxic stress. PGCCs arise through mitotic failure, including mitotic slippage and cytokinesis defects, and can survive chemotherapy and radiation due to their altered cell-cycle regulation. Emerging evidence indicates that senescence-driven microenvironments promote the formation of PGCCs and multinucleated cells, linking ECM remodeling and mechanical stress to polyploidization. Functionally, PGCCs exhibit abnormal cytoskeletal and nuclear mechanics that support migratory persistence and enable survival within hostile tumor environments. In addition, PGCCs can promote the survival of neighboring cancer cells during treatment, suggesting a stromal-like role in establishing therapy-resistant niches. These cells can persist in a dormant state and later generate proliferative progeny, contributing to tumor recurrence and metastasis. Together, these findings support a model in which senescent niches may promote PGCC formation, persistence, and tumor repopulation. Targeting both senescence-associated microenvironments and PGCC-specific survival mechanisms may improve long-term therapeutic outcomes. Full article

The study of genetic effects induced by low-dose alpha radiation associated with radon and its decay progeny is critically important for assessing radiation risks in regions with elevated natural background levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mutagenic effects (in germline cells) and teratogenic effects (in somatic tissues) of alpha radiation using the D. melanogaster model. To differentiate between these effects, teratogenic outcomes were analyzed in directly exposed individuals (phenotypic analysis of adults that developed from irradiated larvae), whereas mutagenic effects were assessed in the progeny of irradiated flies. Larvae and adult flies were exposed to calibrated alpha-particle sources with energies ranging from 4.8 to 7.7 MeV and absorbed doses of 1.90–44.96 mGy. The results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the frequency of morphological abnormalities in the exposed groups, including melanotic masses and deformities of the wings, thorax, and tergites. Under 72 h exposure, a strong correlation between absorbed dose and abnormality frequency was observed (r = 0.98). In the reporter system, induction of GFP expression was detected in imaginal discs at doses above 10 mGy, indicating threshold activation of the cellular stress response. The obtained data demonstrate that chronic low-dose α-irradiation leads to an increased frequency of morphological abnormalities (indirect phenotypic manifestations of compromised genetic stability) in D. melanogaster, with the most pronounced effects observed at the level of morphogenesis. The high sensitivity of the applied test systems was confirmed, supporting the use of D. melanogaster as a bioindicator for ecogenetic monitoring of radon-prone areas, including regions of Kazakhstan. Full article

The bollworm/corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most economically damaging crop pests in North America. Colonies of H. zea are notoriously difficult to maintain and frequently collapse in laboratory rearing. The persistent difficulty in maintaining healthy H. zea colonies has become a major obstacle to performing many research activities on the insect. To optimize colony maintenance, six populations were evaluated across three trials and six tests examining pupal maturity at diet removal, adult emergence synchrony, and cohort size at mating and reproduction. Females emerging from mature pupae produced more eggs than those from mid-aged (5–7 d) or young pupae (0–2 d). Synchronizing male and female emergence within one day yielded higher mating frequency, spermatophore transfer, and progeny, whereas a two-day difference reduced these metrics by 45–67%. Adult cohort size also influenced the outcomes, with ≥10 males and ≥10 females per cage enhancing reproductive success. Most matings occurred on nights 2–3, peaking within 2.5 h after lights off. Positive correlations were observed among mating frequency, spermatophore transfer, and progeny production. Overall, optimal performance was achieved by removing pupae only at maturity, synchronizing adult emergence within one day, and maintaining larger adult cohorts. These findings should establish key conditions to improve the mating success, reproduction, and laboratory rearing of H. zea. Full article

Growth traits in goats are impacted by both genetic and non-genetic variables; as such, it is critical to separate direct and maternal effects for reliable genetic assessment. This study determined the phenotypic and genetic characteristics for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and average daily gain (ADG) in Salem Black goats. The MTDFREML software was used to evaluate data from 930 kids, the progeny of 147 bucks and 804 does, gathered between 2004 and 2019. Three models were compared: Model 1 (direct genetic effects only), Model 2 (adding permanent environmental effects), and Model 3 (adding maternal genetic effects and direct–maternal covariance). The overall mean was 2.21 kg for BW, 9.23 kg for WW, and 78.27 g/day for ADG. The direct heritability estimates for BW, WW, and ADG were 0.06–0.22, 0.13–0.40, and 0.11–0.16 across models, respectively, whereas maternal heritability ranged from 0.01 to 0.13. The study revealed maternal genetic effects on birth weight but their total contribution to growth trait variation is modest, and model parsimony suggests that maternal effects on WW and ADG be excluded. Breeding programs should therefore prioritize direct selection for growth performance, whereas management strategies such as enhanced nutrition, targeted kidding, and support for first-parity do provide more rapid and effective avenues to improve pre-weaning developmental outcomes. Hence, a pragmatic approach that combines direct genetic selection and environmental optimization would result in greater genetic gain and support long-term meat production in Salem Black goats. Full article

With growing concerns about chemical insecticides, there is also growing interest in safer, natural alternatives. This study investigated the individual and combined effects of two promising eco-friendly alternatives, diatomaceous earth (DE) and 1,8-cineole, a plant-based essential oil component, on adults of Acanthoscelides obtectus under laboratory conditions. Against the maximum doses of both products (DE 800 ppm, 1,8-cineole 5 ppm), A. obtectus showed 100% mortality within the first 24 h. Although mortality at lower doses (DE 25, 50, 100 ppm, 1,8-cineole 0.600, 1.2 ppm) began from the first day, it was not as effective. In the combined application of 200 ppm DE and 2.5 ppm 1,8-cineole, the mortality rate was 73.33 ± 8.81%, representing the most effective outcome achieved with the application of relatively low doses of DE and 1,8-cineole. No F₁ progeny was observed at any dose of DE or in the combined applications. In contrast, F₁ progeny occurred only at three doses of 1,8-cineole (0.150, 0.300, and 0.600 ppm); however, the number of eggs and emerging adults was markedly lower than in the control group and showed a statistically significant difference. Overall, the results obtained from DE alone and DE + 1,8-cineole applications were more effective. Full article

Background. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) induces maternal hyperglycemia, which may alter fetal cardiac structure and function, increasing short- and long-term cardiovascular risks. Purpose. To systematically review the evidence on the fetal cardiac structural and functional effects of GDM, to explore the diagnostic role of novel imaging and biochemical biomarkers, and to summarize the long-term cardiovascular complications associated with GDM. Materials and Methods. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. All studies comparing cardiac outcomes in GDM and non-GDM pregnancies were included. Data on myocardial hypertrophy, diastolic and systolic function, imaging modalities, and biomarkers were extracted and qualitatively synthesized. Results. A total of twelve eligible studies were identified. Fetal cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic and early systolic dysfunction are common among GDM pregnancies and can be detected by dual-gate Doppler and speckle-tracking echocardiography. Abnormalities are observed in indices such as the myocardial performance index, E/A, E/e′ ratios, and global longitudinal and circumferential strain in fetuses and may persist in the neonatal period. Alterations may be more pronounced for the right ventricle compared to the left. Septal hypertrophy is associated with elevated umbilical cord pro-brain natriuretic peptide. The risk of early-onset cardiovascular disease in the progeny of diabetic mothers is 29% higher, as evidenced by population-based cohort data. Conclusions. GDM is linked to fetal cardiac remodeling and an increased long-term cardiovascular risk. Early detection and customized interventions to reduce adverse outcomes may be achieved by integrating advanced echocardiographic techniques and biomarkers into prenatal surveillance. Full article

This study systematically assessed floral phenotypic traits, pollen viability, and ultrastructure in 120 male progeny of Actinidia chinensis ‘Jinfeng’. We documented floral features, measured pollen viability using Alexander staining and germination tests, and analyzed pollen morphology through scanning electron microscopy. Correlation analyses examined relationships between pollen viability and floral or pollen morphological traits. Results showed uniform qualitative floral traits but significant variation in quantitative traits. Pollen viability ranged widely (0.3–100%, CV = 43.60%) with consistent outcomes across assessment methods. Pollen grains were mainly prolate to perprolate with three germination furrows, polar axis length (P) ranged from 25.34 to 34.62 μm, equatorial axis length (E) ranged from 11.72 to 16.17 μm, and colpus length ranged from 20.6 to 30.58 μm. Viability was not correlated with quantitative floral traits or anther color but was significantly positively correlated with the polar/equatorial diameter ratio (P/E ratio, r = 0.622), indicating higher viability in perprolate pollen (P/E > 2.0). This study highlights significant genetic diversity in ‘Jinfeng’ male progeny and establishes a relationship between pollen morphology and viability in kiwifruit, providing a theoretical and practical basis for male selection and a foundation for pollen morphology research. Full article

Naturally colored cotton offers ecological advantages by eliminating the need for chemical dyeing; however, its limited fiber quality restricts its commercial utilization. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of the SSR marker BNL1604 for marker-assisted selection in naturally colored cotton (G. hirsutum L.) and to assess fiber quality variation among hybrid progenies derived from crosses between colored and elite white-fiber cultivars. As an expected outcome of this approach, we also assessed whether hybridization of naturally colored lines with elite white-fiber cultivars could contribute to the improvement of fiber quality traits in segregating progenies. Five colored lines (brown and green), three elite cultivars, and fifteen derived F₃ progenies were analyzed. Fiber traits, including upper half mean length (UHML), strength, elongation, and micronaire, were measured using HVI. Genotyping was conducted with BNL1604, and in silico mapping localized this marker to chromosome A07, with a homoeologous region on D07. White-fiber cultivars exhibited superior fiber length (33.4–35.4 mm) and strength (>31 g·tex⁻¹) compared with colored lines. Several F₃ hybrids exhibited transgressive segregation (progeny with trait values significantly exceeding those of both parents, as confirmed by frequency distribution and ANOVA analyses). For instance, the F₃ (C-6577 × L-4099) hybrid achieved UHML values of 30.51 mm and strength > 31.93 g·tex⁻¹. Most progenies maintained optimal micronaire (4.0–4.9). It was concluded that the presence of the 107 bp allele of BNL1604 marker was strongly associated with high-quality fiber, specifically improved fiber strength and length. In silico annotation revealed candidate genes near the BNL1604 locus linked to fiber development. These findings highlight the potential of combining hybridization with selection based on the presence of this 107 bp allele to develop high-quality, naturally colored cotton cultivars. Full article

Postovulatory aging (POA) significantly contributes to fertility decline, primarily through oxidative stress, which impairs oocyte quality, reduces embryonic developmental competence, and may adversely affect offspring health. Edaravone (EDA), a potent free radical scavenger, is known for its cytoprotective effects in various disease models. This study aimed to evaluate whether EDA can mitigate the detrimental effects of POA on mouse oocyte and embryo quality and confirm its reproductive safety. Supplementation with 10 nM EDA significantly reduced meiotic abnormalities, restored mitochondrial distribution, enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production, and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in aged oocytes. Although EDA did not markedly improve fertilization or blastocyst formation rates, it enhanced embryo quality, with morphokinetic parameters comparable to those of young oocytes. Moreover, F₁ offspring derived from embryos produced by EDA-treated POA oocytes were healthy, and female progeny exhibited normal reproductive competence. These findings demonstrate that EDA safely improves oocyte quality by alleviating POA-induced oxidative damage, offering a potential antioxidant strategy to enhance assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes when applied to IVF clinics. Full article

Considering the increased risk of cognitive deficits and mood disorders programming associated with bisphenol exposure, we used a preclinical model to identify short- and long-term effects of early exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) and its replacement, Bisphenol S (BPS), on the central cholinergic and serotonergic systems. Wistar female and male rats born to dams exposed to BPA or BPS (both at 10 μg/kg/day or 50 μg/kg/day) during pregnancy and lactation were euthanized at weaning or adulthood. Cholinergic and serotonergic biomarkers were assessed in the frontal cortex and pons + medulla oblongata. BPA and BPS disrupted these systems, with outcomes depending on the specific bisphenol, biomarker, and time point. Effects also varied across brain regions and between sexes. The nicotinic cholinergic receptor showed more pronounced alterations than the presynaptic choline transporter. Both serotonergic receptors—5-HT1AR and 5-HT2R—were affected; however, the serotonergic transporter remained unchanged. Increased binding was the predominant effect for both systems. Maternal exposure to BPA, even at low doses, induces sex-dependent short- and long-term changes in the cholinergic and serotonergic systems of the progeny. BPS affects these same neurotransmitter systems, although leading to compound-specific outcomes. These results pose both BPA and BPS as neurotoxicants that compromise neurodevelopment and program disorders later in life. Full article

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), once regarded solely as a toxic gas, is now recognized as a vital endogenous signaling molecule with important roles in both health and disease. Growing evidence supports the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) framework, in which early-life disturbances in H₂S signaling may drive the later development of cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic (CKM) syndrome—a condition that encompasses chronic kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This review highlights the emerging importance of H₂S in CKM programming and the potential of H₂S-based interventions during gestation and lactation to prevent long-term adverse health outcomes in offspring. Findings from animal studies suggest that maternal supplementation with sulfur-containing amino acids, N-acetylcysteine, H₂S donors, and related sulfur-containing biomolecules can attenuate CKM-related risks in progeny. Despite these advances, several critical areas remain underexplored, including the role of gut microbiota-derived H₂S, the epigenetic mechanisms influenced by H₂S during development, and the clinical translation of preclinical findings. Targeting H₂S signaling offers a promising strategy for early-life prevention of CKM syndrome and may also hold broader potential for preventing other DOHaD-related chronic diseases. Full article

In recent decades, considerable advances have been achieved in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. However, the currently available drugs have shortcomings. In this context, several natural compounds have been proposed as potential agents to improve either the outcome of antiviral treatment or the progression of chronic infection, with curcumin being one of the most evaluated compounds due to its pleiotropic antiviral activity. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect and mechanism of curcumin on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in two different experimental models. Treatment of HepG22.15 and HBV-transfected Huh7 cells with curcumin revealed that the phytochemical differentially modulated HBV replication in both cell lines. In HepG22.15 cells, the addition of curcumin had no effect on viral DNA, pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), and e antigen (HBeAg) levels, while it decreased Precore RNA and s antigen (HBsAg) levels. Conversely, in Huh-7 cells, curcumin significantly increased viral progeny more than tenfold, as well as HBV RNAs and viral antigens. Furthermore, the analysis of the cellular mechanisms associated with the modulation of viral replication revealed that in Huh-7 cells, curcumin-induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and the modulation of genes involved in proliferation, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis, whereas no changes in cell cycle progression and gene expression were observed in HepG22.15 cells. In conclusion, curcumin elicits a differential cellular response in two hepatoma cell lines, which, in the case of Huh-7 cells, would provide an optimal cellular setting that enhances HBV replication. Therefore, the antiviral effect of this phytochemical remains controversial. Full article

The CRISPR/Cas9 system offers a powerful tool for gene editing to enhance rice productivity. In this study, we successfully edited eight RR-TZF genes in japonica rice Nipponbare using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, achieving a high editing efficiency of 73.8%. Sequencing revealed predominantly short insertions or deletions near the PAM sequence, along with multi-base deletions often flanked by identical bases. Off-target analysis identified 5 out of 31 predicted sites, suggesting the potential for off-target effects, which can be mitigated by designing gRNAs with more than three base mismatches. Notably, new mutations emerged in the progeny of several gene-edited mutants, indicating inheritable genetic mutagenicity. Phenotypic analysis of homozygous mutants revealed varied agronomic traits, even within the same gene, highlighting the complexity of gene-editing outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of backcrossing to minimize off-target and inheritable mutagenicity effects, ensuring more accurate trait evaluation. This study offers insights into CRISPR/Cas9 mechanisms and uncertain factors and may inform future strategies for rice improvement, prompting further research into CRISPR/Cas9’s precision and long-term impacts. Full article