Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Luteolin Alleviates AflatoxinB1-Induced Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in the Liver of Mice through Activation of Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a threatening mycotoxin, usually provokes oxidative stress and causes hepatotoxicity in animals and humans. Luteolin (LUTN), well-known as an active phytochemical agent, acts as a strong antioxidant. This research was designed to investigate whether LUTN exerts protective effects against AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity and explore the possible molecular mechanism in mice. A total of forty-eight mice were randomly allocated following four treatment groups (n = 12): Group 1, physiological saline (CON). Group 2, treated with 0.75 mg/kg BW aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Group 3, treated with 50 mg/kg BW luteolin (LUTN), and Group 4, treated with 0.75 mg/kg BW aflatoxin B1 + 50 mg/kg BW luteolin (AFB1 + LUTN). Our findings revealed that LUTN treatment significantly alleviated growth retardation and rescued liver injury by relieving the pathological and serum biochemical alterations (ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT) under AFB1 exposure. LUTN ameliorated AFB1-induced oxidative stress by scavenging ROS and MDA accumulation and boosting the capacity of the antioxidant enzyme (CAT, T-SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC). Moreover, LUTN treatment considerably attenuates the AFB1-induced apoptosis in mouse liver, as demonstrated by declined apoptotic cells percentage, decreased Bax, Cyt-c, caspase-3 and caspase-9 transcription and protein with increased Bcl-2 expression. Notably, administration of LUTN up-regulated the Nrf2 and its associated downstream molecules (HO-1, NQO1, GCLC, SOD1) at mRNA and protein levels under AFB1 exposure. Our results indicated that LUTN effectively alleviated AFB1-induced liver injury, and the underlying mechanisms were associated with the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Taken together, LUTN may serve as a potential mitigator against AFB1-induced liver injury and could be helpful for the development of novel treatment to combat liver diseases in humans and/or animals.
Microbiome-Metabolites Analysis Reveals Unhealthy Alterations in the Gut Microbiota but Improved Meat Quality with a High-Rice Diet Challenge in a Small Ruminant Model

Simple Summary Effects of a high-rice dietary proportion on the meat quality, gut microbiota and metabolites in small ruminants are rarely reported. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the slaughtering characteristic and meat quality, acute phase reaction proteins (APRPs) in plasma and colonic microbiota and metabolites of goats subjected to a high-rice diet. After a 35-day period, sixteen goats received a high-rice diet (HR, 90% concentrate) or a control diet (55% concentrate). In summary, the results showed that the slaughter performance and meat quality were improved in the growing goats after being fed the HR diet. However, the HR diet induced an acute phase reaction and disturbed the gut microbiota to some extent, which increases the health risk to growing goats. Abstract Effects of a high-rice dietary proportion on the meat quality, acute phase reaction proteins (APRPs) and colonic microbiota and metabolites in goats are rarely reported. This study was designed to investigate the meat quality and metabolism in goats. Sixteen goats were equally divided into two groups and fed a control diet (Con, 55% concentrate) or a high-rice diet (HR, 90% concentrate) for five weeks. We found that the HR diet improved the slaughtering characteristic and meat quality but induced an acute phase reaction and decreased bacterial richness and diversity when compared to the control group. Furthermore, the levels of acetate, propionate and total VFA concentrations were higher in the colonic contents of the HR-fed goats than in those of the control group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the HR diet decreased the pH value, lactic acid concentration and increased the activity of amylase and lipopolysaccharide concentration in the colonic contents of goats (p < 0.05). The proportion of Oscillibacter increased while Phocaeicola and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group significantly decreased with the HR diet (p < 0.05). Collectively, the HR diet induced an acute phase reaction and altered the colonic bacterial community, which increases the health risk to growing goats.
Phytochemicals from Leucas zeylanica Targeting Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2: Chemical Profiles, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Simple Summary Molecular docking in conjunction with molecular dynamics simulation was accomplished as they extend an ample opportunity to screen plausible inhibitors of the main protease from Leucas zeylanica. The preferential phytochemicals were identified from L. zeylanica through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The pre-eminent three identified phytochemicals exhibited toxicity by no means during the scrutinization of ADME/T prominences. Moreover, pharmacologically distinguishing characteristics and the biological activity of the lead phytochemicals were satisfying as an antiviral drug contender. Additionally, the molecular dynamics simulation exhibited thermal stability and a stable binding affinity of the protein–compound complex that referred to the appreciable efficacy of lead optimization. Therefore, the preferable phytochemicals are worth substantial evaluation in the biological laboratory to recommend plausible antiviral drug candidates. Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a contemporary coronavirus, has impacted global economic activity and has a high transmission rate. As a result of the virus’s severe medical effects, developing effective vaccinations is vital. Plant-derived metabolites have been discovered as potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is a target for therapeutic research because of its highly conserved protein sequence. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and molecular docking were used to screen 34 compounds identified from Leucas zeylanica for potential inhibitory activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. In addition, prime molecular mechanics–generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) was used to screen the compound dataset using a molecular dynamics simulation. From molecular docking analysis, 26 compounds were capable of interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, while three compounds, namely 11-oxa-dispiro[4.0. 4.1]undecan-1-ol (−5.755 kcal/mol), azetidin-2-one 3,3-dimethyl-4-(1-aminoethyl) (−5.39 kcal/mol), and lorazepam, 2TMS derivative (−5.246 kcal/mol), exhibited the highest docking scores. These three ligands were assessed by MM-GBSA, which revealed that they bind with the necessary Mpro amino acids in the catalytic groove to cause protein inhibition, including Ser144, Cys145, and His41. The molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the complex rigidity and stability of the docked ligand–Mpro complexes based on the analysis of mean radical variations, root-mean-square fluctuations, solvent-accessible surface area, radius of gyration, and hydrogen bond formation. The study of the postmolecular dynamics confirmation also confirmed that lorazepam, 11-oxa-dispiro[4.0. 4.1]undecan-1-ol, and azetidin-2-one-3, 3-dimethyl-4-(1-aminoethyl) interact with similar Mpro binding pockets. The results of our computerized drug design approach may assist in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.
Rumen Fermentation Characteristics Require More Time to Stabilize When Diet Shifts

Simple Summary Previous study revealed that the rumen bacterial community was in temporal dynamics, even after an adaptation of three months when diet shifted, while the dynamic rumen bacterial community is not necessarily in accord with varied rumen fermentation characteristics. Thus, no proper time for practical sampling frequency is available for conducting basal nutritional research in the long-term fattening stage of steers. This study aimed to evaluate the proper time for nutrient apparent digestibility, serum metabolic parameters, and rumen fermentation characteristics to stabilize when diet shifts. Results showed that nutrient apparent digestibility and serum metabolic parameters were stable across each collection month, while most rumen fermentation characteristics were affected by the interaction effects between collection period and dietary density. These results indicate that rumen fermentation characteristics require more time to stabilize when diet shifts, and it is recommended to collect ruminal digesta monthly to evaluate rumen fermentation characteristics. Abstract This study was conducted to explore the proper time required to achieve stabilization in digestibility, serum metabolism, and rumen fermentation characteristics when different diets shift, thus providing decision-making of practical sampling frequency for basal nutritional research. For these purposes, 12 Holstein steers (body weight 467 ± 34 kg, age 14 ± 0.5 months) were equally assigned to two dietary treatments: high-density (metabolizable energy (ME) = 2.53 Mcal/kg and crude protein (CP) = 119 g/kg; both ME and CP were expressed on a dry matter basis) or low-density (ME = 2.35 Mcal/kg and CP = 105 g/kg). The samples of feces, serum, and rumen contents were collected with a 30-day interval. All data involved in this study were analyzed using the repeated measures in mixed model of SPSS. Results showed that nutrient apparent digestibility and serum metabolic parameters were stable across each monthly collection, while most rumen fermentation characteristics, namely concentrations of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and valerate, were affected by the interaction effects between collection period and dietary density. These findings indicate that rumen fermentation characteristics require more time to stabilize when diet shifts. It is recommended to collect ruminal digesta monthly to evaluate rumen fermentation characteristics, while unnecessary to sample monthly for digestion trials and blood tests in the long-term fattening of Holstein steers. This study may provide insights into exploring the associations between detected parameters and stabilization time, and between diet type and stabilization time when diet shifts.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Mutation Exacerbated High-Fat-Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Gut Microbiota Remodeling in Male Mice

Simple Summary ALDH2, mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, is a critical enzyme involved in ethanol clearance in acetaldehyde metabolism. The prevalence of the ALDH2*2 variant is 45% in the Taiwanese population. ALDH2 reportedly has protective properties on myocardial damage, stroke, and diabetic retina damage. However, the effects of ALDH2 in modulation of metabolic syndromes remain unclear. The study evaluated the roles of ALDH2 in a high-fat-diet-induced metabolic syndrome in mice. We explored the effects of ALDH2 gene on NAFLD and potential association with gut microbiota. Abstract Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is a critical enzyme involved in ethanol clearance in acetaldehyde metabolism and plays a key role in protecting the liver. The ALDH2*2 mutation causes a significant decrease in acetaldehyde scavenging capacity, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde after consuming alcohol. The prevalence of the ALDH2*2 variant is in 45% of Taiwanese individuals. ALDH2 reportedly has protective properties on myocardial damage, stroke, and diabetic retina damage. However, the effects of ALDH2 in the modulation of metabolic syndromes remain unclear. This study evaluates the roles of ALDH2 in a high-fat-diet-induced metabolic syndrome in mice. Male (M) and female (F) wild-type (WT) and ALDH2 knock-in C57BL/6J mice (4–5 weeks old) were fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks. Results showed that the body and white-adipose-tissue weights were significantly increased in ALDH2-M compared to those in the other groups. We observed markedly elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase and glucose. Oral glucose-tolerance test and homeostasis-model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values were significantly higher in ALDH2-M mice than those in WT-M mice, with no observable differences in female mice. Abundant steatosis and inflammatory cells were observed in ALDH2-M, with significantly decreased expression of hepatic genes IRS2, GLUT4, and PGC-1α compared to that in WT-M. ALDH2 gene mutation also affected the β-diversity of gut microbiota in ALDH2-M resulting in the decreased abundance of Actinobacteria and an increase in Deferribacteres. Our results suggest that potential changes in gut microbiota may be associated with the defective ALDH2 exacerbation of high-fat-diet-induced liver diseases in male mice. However, female mice were not affected, and sex hormones may be an important factor that requires further investigation.
The Effect of Comfort- and Hot-Period on the Blood Flow of Corpus Luteum (CL) in Cows Treated by an OvSynch Protocol

Simple Summary Doppler ultrasonography is frequently used to measure blood flow. The Ovsynch program is applied to synchronize the timing of ovulation in dairy cows. Heat stress can negatively affect the hormonal balance, ovarian activity, and blood flow. In this study, the effect of heat stress on corpus luteum blood flow, progesterone, and insulin-like growth factor parameters was investigated during and after Ovsynch synchronization. Our results showed that synchronization initiated with high progesterone values caused significantly higher blood flow and greater corpus luteum area in the comfort period when compared with the hot period. In addition, insulin-like growth factor values were found significantly higher during the comfort period compared to heat stress. Under heat stress circumstances, the Ovsynch synchronization provided better results when the progesterone levels were high. We suggest that it may be better to apply the modified Ovsynch program to increase progesterone levels in cows with low progesterone values when the protocol is initiated during the heat stress period. Abstract The values of luteal blood flow (LBF), total corpus luteum (CL) area (TAR), and progesterone (P4), during and after OvSynch (OvS) protocol in comfort (CP; n = 40) and hot periods (HP; n = 40) were compared. We investigated how low and high P4 values obtained before the application affected the parameters above during CP and HP periods. Blood samples were collected before the OvS application on day 0 (OVSd0), day 9 (OeG), and day 18 (9th day after OeG: OvSd9). The P4 (ng/mL) values of the animals exhibiting dominant follicles were between 0.12–0.82 in HC and 0.1–0.88 in CP (P4-2: 4.36–4.38 and P4-3: ≥7.36 ng/mL). The LBF values were measured on days 7 (OvSd7) and 9 (OvSd9) after the OeG. The P4 mean values at day 0 (OvSd0) were classified as low (P4-1), medium (P4-2), and high (P4-3). The LBF and the TAR values in the P4-2 and P4-3 on OeG day 9 were higher than in HP (p < 0.05; 0.001), but there was no significant difference in the P4-1. In conclusion, when the OvS program was initiated with low P4 values, no difference was observed between HP and CP in terms of LBF values; however, when the program was started with high P4 values, there were significant increases in LBF and TAR values in the CP compared to the HP.
Prediction of Carcass Traits of Santa Inês Lambs Finished in Tropical Pastures through Biometric Measurements

Simple Summary Biometric measurements have been used to estimate the composition and yield of sheep carcass cuts. However, for the most part, they are carried out with animals finished in feedlots and/or with released animals, which do not represent the reality of production systems located in tropical regions because tropical forage grasses are the food base of small and large ruminants and are responsible for most of the meat produced in the tropics. Therefore, the objective was to predict the weights of the primary carcass cuts of Santa Inês lambs finished in tropical pastures through biometric measurements. Adjustments of multiple linear equations and selection of variables to predict carcass characteristics were performed using the STEPWISE option and Mallow’s Cp. The biometric measurements obtained at the time of slaughter can be used as predictive variables of carcass of Santa Inês sheep finished in tropical pastures. The prediction equations are precise and accurate. Abstract The aim of this study was to predict carcass traits of Santa Inês lambs finished in tropical pastures by using biometric measurements. Data originated from two experiments involving 56 lambs (32 in experiment I and 24 in experiment II). In both experiments, the sheep were finished in that were finished in pastures of Panicum maximum and Brachiaria brizantha, experiment I being conducted in the rainy season and experiment II in the dry season. The following biometric measurements were recorded before slaughter: body length (BL), withers height (WH), rump height (RH), thorax width (TW), rump width (RW), chest width (CW), heart girth (HG), thigh circumference (TC), rump circumference (RC) and leg length (LL), in addition to live weight at slaughter (SW). After slaughter, hot carcass weight (HCW), cold carcass weight (CCW) and the weights of primal cuts (shoulder, neck, loin, leg and rib) were recorded. In the equations generated to predict SW, HCW and CCW, R2 ranged from 0.58 to 0.91 and the measurements of WH, TC, CW, HG and RW were the most relevant. In the equations developed to predict the weight of primal cuts, in turn, R2 ranged from 0.26 to 0.99. In these models, SW, BL, CW, TC, LL and HG explained most of the variation in the weight of primal cuts. Biometric measurements can be used to accurately and precisely predict HCW, CCW and the weight of primal cuts from the carcass of Santa Inês sheep finished in tropical pastures, since the equations presented R2 and correlation coefficient and agreement above 0.8.
Hepatic Hydrothorax in the Absence of Ascites: A Diagnostic Challenge

Hepatic hydrothorax is a rare complication of chronic liver disease. It usually occurs in patients with advanced liver disease, portal hypertension, and ascites. On a rare instance, it may be the index presentation of chronic liver disease. Hepatic hydrothorax occurs in approximately 5-6% of patients with cirrhosis. The exact mechanism has not been well defined, but it is frequently thought to be due to the direct passage of ascitic fluid from the peritoneal cavity through the diaphragmatic defects. Treatment involves salt and water restriction and diuretics. Therapeutic thoracocentesis is required in case of respiratory distress. In resistant cases, indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) like PleurX catheter system (Franklin Lakes, NJ: BD) is placed and patients manage their symptoms through intermittent drainage of the pleural fluid. Here we describe an unusual case of hepatic hydrothorax in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and liver cirrhosis without any ascites, a scenario that has rarely been reported in the literature. The patient underwent thoracentesis thrice but in view of re-accumulating pleural effusion, a pig-tail catheter with underwater seal was inserted. She was then referred to a hepatology center for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) or liver transplant.
Transcriptome Analysis of Two Near-Isogenic Lines with Different NUE under Normal Nitrogen Conditions in Wheat

Simple Summary High nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the key to ensure high yield and reduce pollution. Understanding the physiological and molecular changes that regulate NUE is important for the breeding of high-NUE wheat varieties. Carbon and nitrogen metabolism are the basic metabolic pathways in plants. It becomes important to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms related to carbon and nitrogen metabolism, which may be helpful to improve NUE. In this paper, two wheat near-isogenic lines (NILs) with contrasting NUE were performed RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) to identify candidate genes associated with carbon/nitrogen metabolism under normal nitrogen conditions. Our research may provide new insights into the comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying NUE. Abstract Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient element for crop productivity. Unfortunately, the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of crop plants gradually decreases with the increase of the N application rate. Nevertheless, little has been known about the molecular mechanisms of differences in NUE among genotypes of wheat. In this study, we used RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) to compare the transcriptome profiling of flag leaves at the stage of anthesis in wheat NILs (1Y, high-NUE, and 1W, low-NUE) under normal nitrogen conditions (300 kg N ha−1, corresponding to 1.6 g N pot−1). We identified 7023 DEGs (4738 upregulated and 2285 downregulated) in the comparison between lines 1Y and 1W. The responses of 1Y and 1W to normal N differed in the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Several genes belonging to the GS and GOGAT gene families were upregulated in 1Y compared with 1W, and the enhanced carbon metabolism might lead 1Y to produce more C skeletons, metabolic energy, and reductants for nitrogen metabolism. A subset of transcription factors (TFs) family members, such as ERF, WRKY, NAC, and MYB, were also identified. Collectively, these identified candidate genes provided new information for a further understanding of the genotypic difference in NUE.
Third-Stage Dispersal Juveniles of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Can Resist Low-Temperature Stress by Entering Cryptobiosis

Simple Summary Pine wilt disease caused by the nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus causes significant harm to China’s forests, but there are currently no effective prevention and control measures. Additionally, this devastating disease is currently spreading northward. We determined that third-stage dispersal juveniles of B. xylophilus can resist low-temperature stress by cryptobiosis, allowing these nematodes to tolerate a greater range of temperatures. These results facilitate the prediction of potential areas at risk for B. xylophilus in the mid-temperature and cold temperature zones of China. Abstract Nematodes can enter cryptobiosis by dehydration as an adaptation to low-temperature environments and recover from cryptobiosis by rehydration after environmental improvement. In this work, the survival of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus third-stage dispersal juveniles was studied in response to low-temperature treatment. The average survival rates were 1.7% after −80 °C treatment for 30 d and 82.2% after −20 °C treatment for 30 d. The changes of water content and inorganic salt ions that occur in pine trees during winter gradually alter the osmotic pressure in the liquid environment to dehydrate B. xylophilus juveniles, resulting in improved survival after low-temperature treatment. The survival rate at −20 °C improved to 92.1% when the juveniles entered cryptobiosis by osmotic regulation. The results of this study demonstrate that B. xylophilus third-stage dispersal juveniles can resist low-temperature stress through cryptobiosis, providing the theoretical basis for the identification of areas potentially vulnerable to B. xylophilus in the mid-temperature and cold temperature zones of China.