Biomarkers predictive of long-term fertility found in vaginal lipidome of gilts at weaning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayla M Mills ◽  
Christina R Ferreira ◽  
Jebadiah G Stevens ◽  
Kara R Stewart ◽  
Theresa M Casey
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Multiple Reaction Monitoring ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Vaginal Swabs ◽  
Fertility Potential ◽  
Lipidome Analysis

Abstract A marker indicative of fertility potential of replacement gilts early in development would decrease culling rates in the sow herd, improve sow herd reproductive efficiency, and reduce production costs. The objective of this study was to determine if vaginal lipid profiles at 21 d postnatal (PN) could predict sow reproductive performance. Vaginal swabs of the anterior vagina were taken at 21 ± 4 d PN from gilts born on a commercial sow production facility for lipidomic analysis. Animals were followed prospectively for two years and assigned to reproductive performance categories based on observation of estrus or piglets weaned per sow per year (PSY) across two farrowings. Lipids were extracted from cellular material collected with swabs taken from high fertility (HF; n=28; ≥26 PSY) and infertile (IF; n=34; no estrus, no pregnancy) animals and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-profiling was used for lipidome analysis. Relative abundance of arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6) were lower (P<0.05) in IF gilts than HF gilts, whereas abundance of the free fatty acids cerotic (C26:0), ximenic (C26:1), and nonadecanoic (C19:0) acids were greater (P<0.05) in IF gilts. Additionally, eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5) a precursor of prostaglandins was higher (P<0.05) in IF gilts. The perspective of having a panel of lipids captured with vaginal swabs at weaning that can predict reproductive efficiency of gilts shows promise and warrants future research in this area.

scholarly journals Biomarkers predictive of long-term fertility found in vaginal lipidome of gilts at weaning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayla M Mills ◽  
Christina R Ferreria ◽  
Jebadiah Stevens ◽  
Kara R Stewart ◽  
Theresa M Casey
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Multiple Reaction Monitoring ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Vaginal Swabs ◽  
Fertility Potential ◽  
Lipidome Analysis

Abstract Background A marker indicative of fertility potential of replacement gilts early in development would decrease culling rates in the sow herd, improve sow herd reproductive efficiency, and reduce production costs. The objective of this study was to determine if vaginal lipid profiles at 21 d postnatal (PN) could predict sow reproductive performance. Methods Vaginal swabs of the anterior vagina were taken at 21 ± 4 d PN from gilts born on a commercial sow production facility for lipidomic analysis. Animals were followed prospectively for two years and assigned to reproductive performance categories based on observation of estrus or piglets weaned per sow per year (PSY) across two farrowings. Results Lipids were extracted from cellular material collected with swabs taken from high fertility (HF; n = 28; ≥26 PSY) and infertile (IF; n = 34; no estrus, no pregnancy) animals and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) profiling was used for lipidome analysis. Relative abundance of arachidonic acid (ARA, C20:4) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6) were lower (P < 0.05) in IF gilts than HF gilts, whereas abundance of the free fatty acids cerotic (C26:0), ximenic (C26:1), and nonadecanoic (C19:0) acids were greater (P < 0.05) in IF gilts. Additionally, eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5) a precursor of prostaglandins was also higher (P < 0.05) in IF gilts. Conclusions The perspective of having a panel of lipids captured with vaginal swabs at weaning that can predict reproductive efficiency of gilts shows promise and warrants future research in this area.

175 Analysis of Cryopreserved Semen Quality: With the Tools Available, What Is Possible to Be Interpreted

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 112-113
Author(s):  
André F de Andrade
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Freezing Process ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Frozen Semen ◽  
Fertility Potential

Abstract Identifying doses of post-thawed semen with high and low fertility potential is the main objective pursued by professionals and companies involved in commercializing frozen semen. In post-thaw semen, we can evaluate the motility characteristics and the integrity of the spermatozoa membranes and their DNA so that we can identify the number of cells that have the minimum characteristics to be considered with the potential to fertilize the oocyte. However, even with these analyzes using fluorescent probes, flow cytometry, and a computerized semen analysis system, it is impossible to predict the dose’s fertilizing potential accurately. The spermatozoa and seminal plasma originate from an individual (e.g., boar, bull, stallion), and even the spermatozoa and seminal plasma from this individual are different between different ejaculates. Factors such as genetics, age, ambiance, nutrition, and semen manipulation can alter the cryotolerance capacity of a given ejaculate, thus affecting its fertility potential. However, recent studies with assessments of proteomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, and miRNAs have associated cryotolerance and semen fertility with markers that can be evaluated before the ejaculate cryopreservation process—in this way, creating the possibility of selecting high fertility doses before the freezing process. Suppose these biological markers will conclusively make it possible to inform whether post-thawed semen dose has high or low fertility potential. In that case, only future research work verifying fertility will allow us to know. In the meantime, it is highly recommended to evaluate the post-thaw semen by assessing characteristics of motility, the integrity of the plasma and acrosomal membranes, and the integrity of DNA. Thus, ensuring that inseminations are carried out with the minimum number of sperm able to provide a high potential for fertility. These minimum numbers are related to the species and type of cryopreserved semen: conventional or sexed.

Physical and Psychological Benefits of Written Emotional Expression

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 242-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Éva Kállay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Expressive Writing ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Benefits ◽  
Cost Effective Treatment ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract. The last several decades have witnessed a substantial increase in the number of individuals suffering from both diagnosable and subsyndromal mental health problems. Consequently, the development of cost-effective treatment methods, accessible to large populations suffering from different forms of mental health problems, became imperative. A very promising intervention is the method of expressive writing (EW), which may be used in both clinically diagnosable cases and subthreshold symptomatology. This method, in which people express their feelings and thoughts related to stressful situations in writing, has been found to improve participants’ long-term psychological, physiological, behavioral, and social functioning. Based on a thorough analysis and synthesis of the published literature (also including most recent meta-analyses), the present paper presents the expressive writing method, its short- and long-term, intra-and interpersonal effects, different situations and conditions in which it has been proven to be effective, the most important mechanisms implied in the process of recovery, advantages, disadvantages, and possible pitfalls of the method, as well as variants of the original technique and future research directions.

ON-FARM FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FOR NORTHLAND

1986 ◽  
pp. 27-32
Author(s):  
J.S. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Joint Ventures ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Financial Returns ◽  
Farm Forestry ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Financial Position ◽  
On Farm

Agroforests and woodlots offer Northland hill country farmers investment and diversification opportunities. Agroforests have less effect on the "whole farm" financial position than woodlots, especially where a progressive planting regime is adopted and where no further borrowing is required. Establishment and tending costs for agro-forests are lower, and returns come much sooner. The proven opportunity for continued grazing under trees established in this manner, apart from a short post-planting period, further enhances the agroforesty option. Even where there is reluctance on a farmer's part to plant trees on high fertility land, the expected financial returns from agroforests on low and medium fertility land will increase the overall long-term profitability and flexibility of the whole farming operation. Woodlots may be more appropriate on low fertility areas where weed reversion is likely. Joint ventures may be worth considering where farm finances are a limited factor. Keywords: On-farm forestry development, Northland hill country, agroforestry, woodlots, diversification, joint ventures, progressive planting regimes, grazing availability.

Using the Change4Life Disney Branded 10-minute Shake Ups During the COVID-19 ‘Lockdown’

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Budzynski-Seymour ◽  
James Steele ◽  
Michelle Jones
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Affective Responses ◽  
Online Resources ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Perceived Effort ◽  
Qualitative Feedback ◽  
Bidirectional Relationship ◽  
The Uk

Physical activity (PA) is considered essential to overall health yet it is consistently reported that children are failing to meet the recommended levels. Due to the bidirectional relationship between affective states and PA, affective responses are a potential predictor to long term engagement. Since late March 2020 the UK government enforced ‘lockdown’ measures to help control the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19); however, this has impacted children’s PA. Using online resources at home to support PA is now common. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the use of the Change4Life 10-minute Shake Ups to support PA by examining the effects of Disney branding upon children’s (n=32) post activity affective responses and perceived exertion. The secondary was to investigate the effect of the lockdown on PA habits. Children had similar positive affective responses and perceived effort to activities; however, branding was considered to be a key contributing factor based upon qualitative feedback from parents. Children’s PA levels dropped slightly since ‘lockdown’ was imposed; though online resources have been utilised to support PA. The use of immersive elements such as characters and narrative in PA sessions, as well as utilising online resources during ‘lockdown’ appear potentially promising for future research.

Chinese Medicine Protein and Peptide in Gene and Cell Therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yinlu Feng ◽  
Zifei Yin ◽  
Daniel Zhang ◽  
Arun Srivastava ◽  
Chen Ling
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Past ◽  
Promising Strategy ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Gene And Cell Therapy ◽  
Proteins And Peptides

The success of gene and cell therapy in clinic during the past two decades as well as our expanding ability to manipulate these biomaterials are leading to new therapeutic options for a wide range of inherited and acquired diseases. Combining conventional therapies with this emerging field is a promising strategy to treat those previously-thought untreatable diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has evolved for thousands of years in China and still plays an important role in human health. As part of the active ingredients of TCM, proteins and peptides have attracted long-term enthusiasm of researchers. More recently, they have been utilized in gene and cell therapy, resulting in promising novel strategies to treat both cancer and non-cancer diseases. This manuscript presents a critical review on this field, accompanied with perspectives on the challenges and new directions for future research in this emerging frontier.

Ketamine Treatment in Depression: A Systematic Review of Clinical Characteristics Predicting Symptom Improvement

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (15) ◽  
pp. 1398-1414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darby J.E. Lowe ◽  
Daniel J. Müller ◽  
Tony P. George
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Bipolar Depression ◽  
Antidepressant Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Future Direction

Ketamine has been shown to be efficacious for the treatment of depression, specifically among individuals who do not respond to first-line treatments. There is still, however, a lack of clarity surrounding the clinical features and response periods across samples that respond to ketamine. This paper systematically reviews published randomized controlled trials that investigate ketamine as an antidepressant intervention in both unipolar and bipolar depression to determine the specific clinical features of the samples across different efficacy periods. Moreover, similarities and differences in clinical characteristics associated with acute versus longer-term drug response are discussed. Similarities across all samples suggest that the population that responds to ketamine’s antidepressant effect has experienced chronic, long-term depression, approaching ketamine treatment as a “last resort”. Moreover, differences between these groups suggest future research to investigate the potential of stronger efficacy towards depression in the context of bipolar disorder compared to major depression, and in participants who undergo antidepressant washout before ketamine administration. From these findings, suggestions for the future direction of ketamine research for depression are formed.

The Economics of Commodities and Commodity Markets

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Ielpo
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Commodity Prices ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Commodity Markets ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Spot Prices ◽  
Supply Shocks ◽  
The Business Cycle

This chapter covers the economic fundamentals of commodity markets (i.e., what shapes the evolution of the price of raw materials) in three steps. First, it covers the theories explaining why the futures curve can be upward or downward sloping, an essential element for commodity producing companies. The evolution of inventories and hedging pressures are the two dominant sources of explanation. Second, the chapter reviews the fundamentals of commodity spot prices: technologies, supply, demand, and speculation. Production costs draw the long-term evolution of prices, but demand and supply shocks can trigger substantial variations in commodity prices. Third, the chapter presents how commodity prices interact with the business cycle. Commodities are influenced by the world activity but can also have a material impact on it.

Paternity in men with stage I testis tumors on surveillance.

1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 733-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
H W Herr ◽  
N Bar-Chama ◽  
M O'Sullivan ◽  
P C Sogani
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Stage ◽  
Germ Cell Tumors ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection ◽  
Nerve Sparing ◽  
Testis Tumor ◽  
Fertility Potential ◽  
Testis Tumors ◽  
Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors

PURPOSE We report long-term paternity in men with stage I testis tumors who were managed initially by surveillance. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred five patients with clinical stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis were entered on a surveillance protocol and followed up for more than 10 years. Actual fertility potential was assessed by pregnancy. RESULTS Of the 105 patients, 41 (39%) have fathered children, which includes 36 of 78 (46%) patients while on active surveillance and five of 27 (19%) patients after treatment for relapse. Of 63 couples who attempted a pregnancy on surveillance or were presumed capable of impregnation (whether they tried or not), 41 (65%) were successful. CONCLUSION These results show that the majority of men with stage I testis tumor who are on surveillance after orchiectomy, have a suitable partner, and attempt impregnation achieve a successful pregnancy. Pregnancy rates appear to be less than reported in men who have a nerve-sparing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) because more patients on surveillance require treatment for relapse, which reduces their chances for pregnancy.

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