Amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides, known for their involvement in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, have recently been recognized as significant contributors to metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes. This study examined the effects of Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides on cell viability and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in rat insulinoma (INS-1) cells. Aβ40 treatment demonstrated no significant toxicity at lower concentrations; however, it did reduce cell viability at higher concentrations and with prolonged exposure. Conversely, Aβ42 exhibited notable cytotoxicity even at lower concentrations within 24 hours. The combined treatment of Aβ40 and Aβ42 at a 10:1 ratio further accelerated the decline in cell viability, indicating a synergistic toxic effect. Importantly, Aβ40/42 treatment did not impair glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1 cells under the conditions tested. These findings suggest that Aβ peptides may contribute to β-cell loss in type 2 diabetes through their cytotoxic effects, although the direct impact on insulin secretion requires further study. Nutritional interventions aimed at reducing Aβ aggregation and associated oxidative stress could offer promising strategies to protect β-cell viability, warranting further research to clarify the underlying mechanisms of such dietary modulation.

Background: The preservation of boar semen is essential for optimizing artificial insemination outcomes and maintaining sperm functionality during liquid storage. Glucuronic acid (GA) is involved in cellular detoxification and homeostasis regulation and may relate to oxidative processes. However, its effect on boar semen preservation remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of GA addition on sperm viability, acrosome reaction, and intracellular ROS level during liquid storage in pigs. Methods: Boar semen was collected by the gloved-hand method and transported at 17℃. Samples were diluted with extenders containing 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mM GA and stored at 17℃ for 7 days. Sperm viability, acrosome reaction, and intracellular ROS levels were detected using SYBR-14/PI, FITC-PNA/PI, and DCFDA/PI double staining and analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Sperm viability was higher in the 0.5 mM GA group than in the 0 mM group at 72 h, with no difference at 120 h and 168 h. Acrosome reaction showed no difference at 72 h and 120 h, but was lower in the 5.0 mM group than in the 0 mM group at 168 h. Intracellular ROS levels were similar among treatments at 72 h and 168 h, but were higher in the 5.0 mM group than in the 0 mM group at 120 h. Conclusions: GA supplementation showed concentration- and storage-dependent effects, with a transient viability increase at 0.5 mM (72 h) and a reduced proportion of acrosome-reacted sperm at 5.0 mM (168 h), while ROS was not decreased and was elevated at 5.0 mM at 120 h, suggesting the need for dose optimization.

Background: Cryopreserved semen and embryos are essential tools in livestock reproduction, enabling genetic improvement and herd management. Although these materials are theoretically stable in liquid nitrogen (LN2), viability often decreases over time, particularly in farm settings. Micro-ice crystals (MICs) are hypothesized to form under poor LN2 handling conditions, potentially compromising the survival of frozen genetic resources. However, the extent and impact of MIC accumulation have not been thoroughly quantified. Methods: This study evaluated MIC accumulation and its effects on the viability of cryopreserved bovine semen and embryos under different LN2 storage environments and conditions. MIC content was measured by filtering 10 L of LN2 through nonwoven fabric and weighing the retained crystals and debris. The viability of sperm and embryos were assessed using a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and blastocoel re-expansion. Results: MIC content was 3.5 times higher in farm-stored LN2 than in laboratory LN2, with significantly more debris also detected. Progressive motility and velocity parameters (VCL, VAP, VSL) were similarly reduced. Blastocyst survival dropped significantly under farm conditions after six months (42.4%) compared to laboratory storage (84.4%, p < 0.05). These findings suggest a strong correlation between MIC accumulation and decreased post-thaw viability of cryopreserved materials. Conclusions: MICs formed in LN2 due to environmental exposure and poor handling can severely impair the viability of cryopreserved sperm and embryos. Regular filtration and improved LN2 management, especially in farm environments, are essential to reduce MIC-related damage. These practices may enhance the long-term usability and reliability of genetic resources in livestock breeding programs.

본 연구는 해안림 복원에 활용되는 자생식물인 돈나무 (Pittosporum tobira), 통보리사초(Carex kobomugi), 순비기 나무(Vitex rotundifolia)의 테트라졸륨(tetrazolium, TZ) 검정 조건을 규명하고자 하였다. 세 종의 종자 모두 절개하지 않은 상태에서는 활력이 관찰되지 않았으나, 절개 후에는 각각 96.7%, 57.5%, 60.7%의 활력이 관찰되어 절개가 필수적이었 다. 이는 과피 또는 종피가 TZ 용액의 침투를 물리･화학적으로 제한하기 때문이다. 돈나무는 25-35oC에서 24시간 처리만으 로도 높은 활력을 보였다. 통보리사초는 30-35oC, 24-48시간 처리에서 비교적 높은 활력을 보였으나, 처리 온도와 시간에 따른 활력 차이는 통계적으로 유의하지 않았다. 이는 종자의 작은 배 크기와 단단한 과포로 인해 TZ 용액의 침투가 제한되었 기 때문으로 판단된다. 또한, 7월 성숙기에 채종한 종자와 10월 탈리가 시작된 시기에 채종한 종자 간에 활력 차이가 관찰되어 활력 검정 시 종자의 성숙 단계를 고려할 필요가 있다. 순비기나 무는 25-30oC에서 48시간 처리 시 90%의 활력을 보였다. 결론 적으로, 종자의 구조와 성숙도를 반영한 종별 TZ 검정 조건을 설정하면 국내 자생식물 종자의 활력 평가 정확도를 높일 수 있을 것으로 판단된다.

Maintaining probiotic viability during storage, freeze-drying, and gastrointestinal transit is essential to ensure efficacy. The present study evaluated VitaShield Coating® (VSC), an innovative stabilization technology incorporating vitamins A, C, and E, for enhancing the viability of Bifidobacterium strains. VSC-coated B. bifidum BGN4 exhibited a significantly higher freeze-drying recovery rate (43.91±4.69%) compared to that of the uncoated group (15.31±6.53%, p<0.0001), with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirming preservation of structural integrity. Gastrointestinal stability also improved, as coated cells retained 26.21±2.41% viability in simulated gastric fluid, significantly outperforming uncoated cells (3.20±2.30%, p<0.0001). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed a significant increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in coated cells, indicating enhanced membrane stability. Furthermore, storage stability of four Bifidobacterium strains (AD011, BORI, BGN4, and RAPO) was evaluated over 16 weeks at 25℃ and 30℃. The findings indicate that the VSC coating effectively protects probiotic strains under harsh storage conditions, mitigating viability loss over time. Overall, this study showed that the VSC coating serves as a multifunctional stabilization technology that provides mechanical, osmotic, and oxidative stress protection. Its ability to improve probiotic survival under harsh conditions enables its practical and scalable use in formulations and enhances stability.

Background: The poultry industry experiences genetic losses due to recurring infectious diseases, necessitating effective preservation strategies. Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in male reproduction, and optimal NO (nitric oxide) levels may enhance sperm viability. This study investigated the effects of SNAP (S-nitroso-Nacetylpenicillamine) on the longevity of rooster sperm. Methods: Semen was diluted with Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender-I containing 0 or 25 μM SNAP and stored at 10°C. Sperm motility and acrosome integrity were assessed at 1, 3, and 7 days. NO levels were quantified by DAF-FM diacetate and AI trials were evaluated by fertility and hatchability. Results: On day 1, sperm motility in the SNAP 25 μM-treated group was significantly higher than in the control. NO quantification confirmed that SNAP-treated semen exhibited higher NO levels. For fertilization and hatchability assessment, hens were divided into two groups based on the presumed duration sperm resided in sperm storage tubules. Before artificial insemination, the sperm was preserved at low temperature (10°C) to maintain viability. Fertilization rates were significantly higher in the SNAP-treated group in both short-term and long-term SST storage conditions. However, hatchability was only significantly improved in the SNAP-treated group when fertilization occurred after extended storage. Conclusions: These findings suggest that NO enhances sperm viability and fertility in poultry semen stored at low temperatures. SNAP 25 μM enhances AI efficiency by maintaining sperm viability and extending fertilization potential. Further research is needed to refine NO-based fertility enhancement strategies for avian species.

Alfalfa hay varieties have been developed and cultivated in Korea to enhance the self-sufficiency rate of domestic roughage. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of feeding domestic and imported alfalfa on the growth performance and economic feasibility of Hanwoo bulls. This study was conducted using eight Hanwoo bulls, aged 6 to 7 months, during their growing period. Hanwoo bulls were divided into two groups: one group fed imported alfalfa and the other group fed domestic alfalfa. Dry matter intake, weight gain, and blood metabolites were analyzed for two months of the growing stage. There was no significant difference between the two groups in dry matter intake and body weight. However, the price of domestic alfalfa is lower than that of imported alfalfa, so feeding domestic alfalfa is expected to have a positive effect on reducing production costs. Further study is needed to compare not only the growth performance but also carcass characteristics after slaughter by feeding domestic alfalfa to Hanwoo for a longer period during their growing stage.

누에씨는 매년 계대사육을 통해 자원을 보존하지만, 이 과정에서 잠종의 소실 및 혼합사고 등의 위험이 있어, 누에 유전자원의 효율적이고 안전한 장기보존법 개발이 필요한 상황이다. 본 연구에서는 2년 동안 저온에 보관 된 누에 보급품종(백옥잠, 대황잠, 백황잠)과 누에 유전자원(n29, sa2, yang2)의 누에씨를 봄과 가을 사육기에 맞추 어 점진법을 사용하여 부화를 유도하였다. 부화된 누에씨의 부화비율과 함께 전령 경과기간, 화용비율, 전견중 등의 사육 성적을 조사하였다. 2년간 저온 보관된 누에씨의 부화비율은 보급품종에서 87~88%, 유전자원에서는 71~75%로 나타났다. 화용비율은 보급품종에서 79~89%, 유전자원에서는 71~79%로 조사되었다. 품종 지정 시 사육 성적과 비교해 볼 때, 부화비율, 화용비율, 번데기 무게, 고치무게 모두 감소하는 경향을 보였다. 또한, 2년 동안 저온에 보관된 후의 누에씨 부화기간은 1년 동안 저온에 보관된 누에씨보다 1~2일 더 길었다.

In this study, an experiment was conducted in order to determine what cryopreservatives (CPVs) were more effective in supporting the motility and viability of sperm from experimental animals. The sperm of mice, rats, beagle dogs, and rabbits were frozen using different CPVs, including DMSO, TYB, and Sperm CryoProtec. The results from freezing the sperm of each laboratory animal in Sperm CryoProtec showed a high level of sperm motility and viability in sperm samples from mice, rats, and beagle dogs melted at the end of the first week. For rabbits, a high level of motility was observed in sperm thawed during the first week, whereas a high level of viability was observed in sperm thawed during the second week. The results of analysis of sperm motility and viability using different CPVs according to laboratory animals showed a significantly higher level of sperm motility (26.28%) and viability (36.20%) for mice in Sperm CryoProtec and the lowest levels of motility and viability were observed in DMSO (p < 0.05). Significantly higher levels of motility (27.94%) and viability (37.94%) were observed for rats in Sperm CryoProtec compared with TYB, which showed the lowest levels of motility and viability (p < 0.05). The study findings described above suggest that the selection of appropriate cryopreservatives is required for each experimental animal. This is because there are differences in the levels of sperm motility and viability of experimental animals depending on the CPVs that are typically used for freezing human sperm, including Sperm CryoProtec and TYB.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and F-actin cytoskeleton dynamics play important roles in the survival rate of blastocysts after the vitrifiedwarming process. However, the protective effects of Mito-TEMPO against cryo-injury and viability through F-actin aggregation and mitochondrial-specific ROS production in vitrificated-warmed bovine embryos have not been investigated. The aims of the present study were to: (1) determine the effects of Mito-TEMPO on embryonic developmental competence and quality by F-actin stabilization during in vitro culturing (IVC), and (2) confirm the effects of Mito-TEMPO through F-actin structure on the cryotolerance of vitrification-warming in Mito-TEMPO exposed in vitro production (IVP) of bovine blastocysts. Bovine zygotes were cultured with 0.1 μM Mito-TEMPO treatment for 2 days of IVC. Mito-TEMPO (0.1 μM) exposed bovine embryos slightly improved in blastocyst developmental rates compared to the non-treated group. Moreover, the viability of vitrified-warmed blastocysts from Mito-TEMPO treated embryos significantly increased (p < 0.05, non-treated group: 66.7 ± 3.2% vs Mito-TEMPO treated group: 79.2 ± 5.9%; re-expanded at 24 hours). Mito-TEMPO exposed embryos strengthened the F-actin structure and arrangement in the blastocyst after vitrification-warming. Furthermore, the addition of Mito-TEMPO into the IVC medium enhanced embryonic survival and quality through F-actin stabilization after the vitrification-warming procedure. Overall, our results suggest that supplementing the culture with 0.1 μM Mito- TEMPO improves the embryonic quality and cryo-survival of IVP bovine blastocysts.

This research aims to investigate pudding with grain-added yogurt for its quality characteristics and viability during cold storage. The yogurt was fermented until its pH was 5.10±0.05 after inoculating the probiotic strain (Bifidobacterium lactis, BB-12) into the milk base containing grains. The yogurt was added to prepare probiotic puddings. During cold storage of the puddings at 4±1oC for 4 week, the quality characteristics (pH, acidity, texture) and the viability of BB-12 in pudding were determined and compared to control (only milk base). As a result, MR had a significantly lower pH and higher acidity than those of other samples. In texture properties, including hardness, gumminess, and chewiness, MSIR showed the significantly highest value, and the pudding with inulin was significantly higher than rice flour in all textures. For the viability of BB-12, pudding with milk was significantly lower than pudding containing milk and soymilk, suggesting that soymilk helps maintain viability. MR showed significantly higher viability than MI in the milk-based pudding, indicating that rice flour is more effective than inulin. Therefore, the addition of soymilk, inulin, and rice can maintain quality characteristics and viability of BB-12 in the pudding.

This research aimed to investigate the effects of the inoculation method and diverse ingredients on the quality properties and probiotics viability of pudding with milk and/or soymilk. The probiotic strain (Lactobacillus acidophilus, LA-5) was inoculated into the yogurt base and fermented until the pH is 5.10 ± 0.05. The fermented yogurt was added into pudding base (yogurt inoculation), or LA-5 was directly inoculated (direct inoculation). During the storage of the puddings at 4±1oC for 4 wks, the quality characteristics (pH, acidity, texture) and the probiotics viability of pudding were measured and compared. As a result, the puddings with yogurt inoculation showed significantly lower pH and higher acidity than those with direct inoculation. In texture properties, including hardness, chewiness, and gumminess, the addition of rice powder increased those in milk pudding more but the addition of inulin in the milk-soymilk pudding more. The addition of rice powder increased probiotics viability more than inulin in milk and milk-soymilk puddings. Therefore, adding rice and/or inulin can potentially improve the probiotics viability and quality characteristics of pudding.

In the present study, we examined the effect of straw size on spermatozoa motility, viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and plasma membrane integrity after freezing-thawing. Hanwoo semen was collected from three bulls and diluted with an animal protein-free extender, divided into two groups, namely, 10 million spermatozoa in 0.25 mL and 20 million spermatozoa in 0.5 mL straw, and cryopreserved. In Experiment 1, the motility and motility parameters of the frozenthawed spermatozoa were evaluated. After freezing-thawing, the spermatozoa motility parameters fast progressive, straight line velocity, and average path velocity were compared between the 0.25 mL straw and 0.5 mL straw groups. They were 35.2 ± 1.0 and 32.3 ± 0.7%, 34.6 ± 0.7 and 31.8 ± 0.5 μm/s, 51.4 ± 1.3 and 47.1 ± 1.1 μm/s, 0.25 mL straw and 0.5 mL straw groups, respectively. In Experiment 2, the viability, acrosome membrane integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa were assessed. After freezing-thawing, the percentages of spermatozoa with live, intact acrosomes and high mitochondrial membrane potential were compared between the in 0.25 mL straw and 0.5 mL straw groups. They were 48.0 ± 2.6% and 35.6 ± 2.8% between the 0.25 mL straw and 0.5 mL straw groups. In Experiment 3, the plasma membrane integrity of frozen-thawed spermatozoa was compared. After freezingthawing, the plasma membrane integrity was higher for the in 0.25 mL straw group than the 0.5 mL straw group. They were 62.0 ± 2.2 and 54.1 ± 1.3% between the 0.25 mL straw and 0.5 mL straw groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that freezing semen in 0.25 mL straw improves the relative motility, viability, and acrosomal, mitochondrial membrane potential, and plasma membrane integrity of Hanwoo bull spermatozoa.

Since the first detection of the African swine fever (ASF) virus in the Republic of Korea in 2019, the Korean government has applied interventions, including fencing, increasing the biosecurity level at domestic pig farms, and the capture-and-removal of wild boars. In particular, wild boars are an important risk factor for ASF control because they can spread disease among susceptible animals, such as wild boars or domestic pigs. A capture-and-removal method aims to reduce the likelihood of ASF transmission from wild boars to domestic boars or among wild boars by decreasing the number of susceptible wild boars. This study estimated the required number of wild boars captured and removed for ASF control using population viability analysis. Population factors, such as a life span, sex ratio, or an inbreeding depression with different capture-and-removal proportions of wild boars, were included in the analysis. Ten scenarios with different capture-and-removal proportions of wild boars and different periods of culling were considered. According to the results, a method in which 75% of wild boars are captured-and-removed for at least three years showed long-term effectiveness for more than ten years. The current ASF control method, in which 33% of wild boars are captured-and-removed, decreased the number of wild boars for three years, after which the wild boar population increased to more than its initial number. Given the limited human and material resources for controlling ASF in the Republic of Korea, it is recommended that resources be prioritized to increase the capture-and-removal proportion of wild boars to take full advantage of the ASF-control effectiveness.