Sirtuin 2 inhibitors rescue alpha-synuclein-mediated toxicity in models of Parkinson's disease

The sirtuins are members of the histone deacetylase family of proteins that participate in a variety of cellular functions and play a role in aging. We identified a potent inhibitor of sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) and found that inhibition of SIRT2 rescued alpha-synuclein toxicity and modified inclusion morphology in a cellular model of Parkinson's disease. Genetic inhibition of SIRT2 via small interfering RNA similarly rescued alpha-synuclein toxicity. Furthermore, the inhibitors protected against dopaminergic cell death both in vitro and in a Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease. The results suggest a link between neurodegeneration and aging.     

A one-stage model of experimental acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rats

AIM: To establish a one-stage model of experimental acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) in rats characterized by the simplicity of performance and a high degree of repeatability. METHODS: ANP modeling in rats was performed based on modification of the ligation model as follows: synthetic material ligature using an atraumatic needle was performed to capture pancreatic gland ducts and marginal duodenum vessels. Ligature tips were exteriorized to the abdominal wall, and the ligature was skinned over to avoid catching intestine loops. Pancreatic macroscopic appearance and histological changes were observed. Blood biochemical and hemostatic indicators were also determined. RESULTS: Laboratory analysis of rats with experimental ANP showed a pattern of disturbances similar to that observed during pancreatic necrosis in humans as soon as the first day. General blood analysis revealed enhanced leukocytosis and alterations in leukogram characteristics, indicating acute inflammation. Serum levels of amylase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatinine significantly increased (P<0.05). Hemostatic indicators showed alterations indicating formation of disseminated intravascular coagulation, and signs of endotoxicosis were observed. These typical pancreatic necrosis patterns of disturbances were validated by the results of histological investigation. CONCLUSION: Histological changes and laboratory indicators confirm the development of a suitable model of ANP.     

Cervix–rectum temperature differential at the time of insemination is correlated with the potential for pregnancy in dairy cows

This study sought to establish whether temperature gradients between the cervix, vagina, and rectum at and 7 days post-artificial insemination (AI) were associated with the incidence of pregnancy in lactating dairy cows (Experiment I; n = 90 ovulating cows) and to evaluate temperature gradient dynamics from the time of insemination to 7 days post-AI under heat stress conditions (Experiment II; n = 16 ovulating and 4 non-ovulating cows). In Experiment I, 39 cows (43.3%) became pregnant. The odds ratio for pregnancy was 2.5 for each one-tenth of a degree drop in cervical temperature with reference to the control rectal temperature at the time of AI (P = 0.01), whereas the same decrease in the cervix–rectum temperature differential 7 days post-AI resulted in an odds ratio of 0.44 (P = 0.02). In Experiment II, 5 of the ovulating cows (31.3%) became pregnant. The mean values of the vagina–rectum, vagina–cervix, and cervix–rectum temperature differentials at AI (day 0), 8 h, 24 h, and 7 days post-AI changed significantly from day 0 to day 7 (within-subject effect; P < 0.02) in ovulating cows but not in non-ovulating cows. Temperature differentials on days 0 and 7 were similar between ovulating cows and cows of Experiment I. Overall, our findings support the notion that a temperature differential between the caudal cervical canal and rectum at AI may be an indicator of the likelihood of pregnancy. Possible prospects of confirming estrus at the herd-level are also suggested.     

Metapodials of ancient bison (Bison priscus) of northeast Russia: “stress markers,” sex and withers height

A total of 175 metapodials (MP) of Pleistocene and early Holocene bison (Bison priscus Boj.) from the vast area of northeast Russia were studied. MP were attributed to males and females both visually and statistically. Data on the withers height of bison from northeast Russia are provided. Stress markers were recorded, including so‐called “buttresses.” With rare exceptions, stress markers were not of a pathological nature. The origin and development of the buttresses are age‐related; their prevalence in bison females can be considered as the response to an increased load during pregnancy. Changes in the periosteum, found in males, are related to their greater activity. Buttresses are also well developed on metatarsals of the red deer and the elk; they are less developed in reindeer and not found in giant deer. A relationship among stress markers, locomotion and the environment is established. Possible peculiarities of the Rauchua River bison locomotion are discussed.     

Bromine Accumulation in Some Crops and Grasses as Determined by Neutron Activation Analysis

Till now information on bromine (Br) in the environment is still incomplete. The purposes of this research were the following: to study accumulation of Br in plants grown under different environmental conditions and to assess the factors controlling Br uptake by different plant species when the plants grow in soil uncontaminated with Br. For the determination of Br and other elements, neutron activation analysis was used. This method allows for determining a wide range of elements in various samples with high sensitivity and accuracy. Model tests and greenhouse experiments demonstrated different abilities of plants to uptake Br from various media and transfer it from roots to upper plant parts. It was shown that the main source of Br for a plant was soil. As a result of the plant growth concentration of Br in the rhizosphere soil decreased. The characteristics of soil have a pronounced effect on the Br uptake by plants.     

The effect of an energy additive on the metabolism of cattle

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of an energy additive on the metabolism of cattle. This article provides information on the analysis of the diet of young cattle calculated for when the animals were both indoors and outdoors. The ration was prepared for 40 heifers, divided into 4 groups consisting of 10 animals in each group. Three of these groups were fed different amounts of a high-energy additive, which was not fed to the control group. The effectiveness of the additive was analyzed according to the balance experiment and by calculating digestibility coefficients. It was determined that the percentage of nitrogen use in young animals was higher in the groups that were fed the additive than in the control group. Increasing the dose of the additive increased the level of nitrogen use. Comparative analysis of live weight indicated intergroup differences in favor of heifers in the groups that were fed the additive of 1.34% to 2.41% at the age of 9 mo; 2.51% to 4.16% at 12 mo; 3.14% to 5.46% at 15 mo; and 3.57% to 6.30% at 18 mo. The average daily growth dynamics indicated a gradual increase in all animals up to 15 mo, with a slight decrease by 18 mo of age. The difference among the groups ranged from 5.08% to 8.85% at 6 to 9 mo of age; 7.08% to 10.79% at 9 to 12 mo; 5.64% to 10.97% at 12 to 15 mo; and 6.05% to 11.11% at 18 mo. It was concluded that feeding the energy additive Tanrem to heifers increased their metabolism so that nitrogen use was improved, and feed was digested more efficiently, which in turn improved the growth of animals. Using an energy additive at the mid-range dose of 500 g a day per animal is recommended, since the effect was similar at the mid-range and maximum dosages.     

Effects of different five-day progesterone-based synchronization protocols on the estrous response and follicular/luteal dynamics in dairy cows

This study compared the responses shown by lactating dairy cows to four different P4-based protocols for AI at estrus. Cows with no estrous signs 96 h after progesterone intravaginal device (PRID) removal were subjected to fixed-time AI (FTAI), and their data were also included in the study. In Experiment I, follicular/luteal and endometrial dynamics were assessed every 12 h from the beginning of treatment until AI. The estrous response was examined in Experiment II, and fertility was assessed in both experiments. The protocols consisted of a PRID fitted for five days, along with the administration of different combinations of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), equine chorionic gonadotropin and a single or double dose (24 h apart) of prostaglandin F_2α. In Experiment I (40 cows), animals receiving GnRH at the start of treatment showed a significantly higher ovulation rate during the PRID insertion period while estrus was delayed. In Experiment II (351 cows), according to the odds ratios, cows showing luteal activity at the time of treatment were less likely to show estrus than cows with no signs of luteal activity. Treatment affected the estrous response and the interval from PRID removal to estrus but did not affect conception rates 28–34 days post AI. Primiparous cows displayed a better estrous response than multiparous cows. Our findings reveal acceptable results of 5-day P4-based protocols for AI at estrus in high-producing dairy cows. Time from treatment to estrus emerged as a good guide for FTAI after a 5-day P4-based synchronization protocol.