Review
Physiology
Henry J. Leese, Daniel R. Brison, Roger G. Sturmey
Summary: This article revisits the hypothesis proposed in 2002 that the successful development of oocytes and preimplantation mammalian embryos is associated with quiet metabolism. It introduces the concept of a Goldilocks zone, an optimal range of metabolic activity within which embryos with maximum developmental potential are located.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Monika Skrutkova Langmajerova, Marta Pelcova, Pavla Vedrova, Andrea Cela, Zdenek Glatz
Summary: This study presents a method for amino acid determination in a limited volume sample collected after in vitro fertilization, achieving successful separation and quantification of 19 amino acids through optimized sample preparation and key parameters. The developed system has the potential for analyzing amino acids in minute sample volumes of other biological matrices.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Arnaud Germain, Ludovic Giloteaux, Geoffrey E. Moore, Susan M. Levine, John K. Chia, Betsy A. Keller, Jared Stevens, Carl J. Franconi, Xiangling Mao, Dikoma C. Shungu, Andrew Grimson, Maureen R. Hanson
Summary: Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is a prominent symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). By monitoring plasma metabolites, this study found significant differences in metabolic response and recovery pattern between ME/CFS patients and healthy control participants after two maximal exercise tests. Glutamate metabolism was identified as a crucial factor in the metabolic disruptions that lead to PEM.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Y. S. L. Lee, D. K. Gardner
Summary: This study developed a targeted enzymatic assay to quantify aspartate uptake in single blastocysts. Results showed that 'fast' blastocysts had significantly higher rates of aspartate and glucose consumption. Gene expression analysis revealed that genes involved in aspartate and glucose metabolism were increased in 'fast' blastocysts, with differences maintained in placental and fetal liver tissue.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
D. N. Coleman, P. Totakul, N. Onjai-uea, A. Aboragah, Q. Jiang, M. Vailati-Riboni, R. T. Pate, D. Luchini, P. Paengkoum, M. Wanapat, F. C. Cardoso, J. J. Loor
Summary: This study investigates the effects of rumen-protected Methionine during a heat stress challenge on hepatic abundance of mTOR, insulin, and antioxidant signaling proteins, as well as enzymes in 1-carbon metabolism and innate immunity in dairy cows. The results suggest that feeding rumen-protected Methionine may help cows maintain homeostasis in mTOR, insulin signaling, and 1-carbon metabolism, as well as whole-blood antioxidant response during heat stress, which is crucial for innate immune function.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sho Hosokawa, Tatsuya Morinishi, Kazuaki Ohara, Kentaro Yamaguchi, Satoshi Tada, Yasunori Tokuhara
Summary: This study improved the color reaction method for tryptophan and established a simple colorimetric method for its determination. It can be performed using safe materials and quantified by simple spectrophotometry in just 10 minutes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yafeng Zhang, Huizhen Wang, Hu Yu, Xiaoxia Sun
Summary: Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid for humans and animals, and its different configurations have different activities. This research successfully synthesized a chiral fluorescent sensor that can selectively detect phenylalanine.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qianyu Wang, Agueda Molinero-Fernandez, Ana Casanova, Joep Titulaer, Jonatan C. Campillo-Brocal, Asa Konradsson-Geuken, Gaston A. Crespo, Maria Cuartero
Summary: This study developed a microneedle-based biosensor for intradermal detection of glycine. The biosensor demonstrated fast response time, acceptable reversibility and stability, a wide linear range of response, and the ability to produce accurate physiological data.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Ryan W. Haines, Alexander J. Fowler, Yize I. Wan, Luke Flower, Daren K. Heyland, Andrew Day, Rupert M. Pearse, John R. Prowle, Zudin Puthucheary
Summary: The catabolic phenotype measured by increased urea-to-creatinine ratio is associated with increased risk of death during prolonged ICU stay. Glutamine supplementation increases the urea-to-creatinine ratio and therefore increases the risk of death.
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Er Bei, Zhiwei Ye, Xiuli Chen, Xiao Li, Jun Wang, Yu Qiu, Shuguang Xie, Chao Chen
Summary: Amino acid metabolism by microorganisms is an important pathway for the formation of nitrosamine (NDMA) precursors in water. Through rapid assessment and molecular weight fractionation methods, it was found that positively charged and non-polar fractions were the main contributors to NDMA precursor formation. The dominant precursors had molecular weights below 1 kDa or over 10 kDa. Specific NDMA precursors, such as dimethylamine, N-methyl-alanine, and alanine methyl ester, were produced during alanine and peptone metabolism. The formation of NDMA precursors during alanine metabolism involved methylation of alanine to form N-methyl-alanine and decomposition of alanine metabolites to form dimethylamine. Ralstonia was identified as a key genus contributing to NDMA precursor formation during alanine metabolism.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Henry J. Leese, Paul J. McKeegan, Roger G. Sturmey
Summary: The role of amino acids in early mammalian embryos goes beyond their traditional function in protein synthesis, including involvement in intermediary metabolism, energy substrates, signal transduction, and nitrogen metabolism. S-adenosylmethionine, a derivative of amino acids, plays a crucial role in epigenetic regulation. The importance of amino acids for maternal and conceptus health during the preimplantation period is discussed, along with the potential utility of amino acid profiles as diagnostic tools for embryo health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Marihan Lansing, George Slim, Pamela Wizzard, Mahroukh Rafii, Paul B. Pencharz, Patrick N. Nation, Megan R. Beggs, R. Todd Alexander, Paul W. Wales, Justine M. Turner, Ron O. Ball
Summary: This study examined the effects of 75% intestinal resection on whole-body arginine synthesis in piglets and found adaptive changes in intestinal arginine synthesis that may help preserve overall arginine synthesis in neonates. The intestine plays a crucial role in arginine synthesis, particularly in neonates at risk for short bowel syndrome.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Shuang Cai, Qianhong Ye, Xiangzhou Zeng, Guangxin Yang, Changchuan Ye, Meixia Chen, Haitao Yu, Yuming Wang, Gang Wang, Shuo Huang, Shuang Quan, Xiangfang Zeng, Shiyan Qiao
Summary: The research indicates that methionine deficiency during early pregnancy significantly reduces the number of embryo implantation sites, CBS expression, and products of the transsulfuration pathway, which can be reversed by maternal methionine supplementation. Additionally, CBS influences signaling pathways related to cell proliferation and DNA synthesis, and there may be a correlation between CBS and MAT2A, suggesting a potential involvement of MAT2A in these processes.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
F. A. Eugenio, J. van Milgen, J. Duperray, R. Sergheraert, N. Le Floc'h
Summary: The objective of this experiment was to compare the postprandial concentrations of plasma amino acids and other metabolites after the ingestion of amino acids provided either as proteins or as free amino acids and small peptides. It was found that the postprandial appearance of amino acids in the plasma was slower and lower when proteins were consumed, which may result in inefficient protein synthesis. Therefore, providing amino acids in the form of free amino acids and small peptides may be more efficient.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shaosen Shi, Huajing Li, Yagang Zhang, Yonghong Shi, Nana Zhang, Tian Li, Yating Zhang, Qing Li, Pengfei Duan, Yuangang Li
Summary: A series of CdS/P25/Ni2P (SxOyP) materials were prepared, and S1O1P exhibited the highest catalytic activity. The conversion, selectivity, and yield were 97.47%, 100%, and 97.47%, respectively. Furthermore, the substrate concentration was expanded to 300 mM, surpassing the benchmark for photocatalysis, and the rate of hydrogen evolution reached 16,697.86 mu mol g(cat)(-1) h(-1) under light irradiation for 3 h. Based on the experimental data and analysis, a possible mechanism for this reaction was proposed. This study provides a strategy for maximizing the utilization of photocarriers and explores the field of dual-function photocatalytic systems, inspiring the development of photocatalysis technology.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kathryn H. Gurner, Jemma Evans, Jennifer C. Hutchison, Alexandra J. Harvey, David K. Gardner
Summary: This study suggests that lactate may play an important role in maternal-fetal dialogue, promoting endometrial receptivity and implantation. Further investigation of the role of lactate in infertile or compromised endometrium could potentially improve pregnancy success.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Meagan Allen, Lyndon Hale, Daniel Lantsberg, Violet Kieu, John Stevens, Catharyn Stern, David K. Gardner, Yossi Mizrachi
Summary: This study found that post-warming re-expansion and high cell survival rate are associated with higher live birth rate. Embryos with fully expanded blastocysts and high cell survival rate have a higher chance of live birth, but embryos with poor post-warming morphology still have a considerable probability of live birth.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Thi Truong, Alexandra J. Harvey, David K. Gardner
Summary: This study investigated the effect of combined antioxidants on mouse fetal gene expression. The results showed that both in-vitro culture in the presence of 20% oxygen and vitrification of blastocysts significantly perturbed fetal liver and placental gene expression. However, supplementation with A3 reduced the number of differentially expressed genes and altered biological processes, establishing a more in-vivo-like gene expression profile, particularly in the placenta. Additionally, A3 supplementation significantly reduced the expression of genes associated with pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
David K. Gardner
Summary: By introducing more technologies in the ART laboratory, outcomes such as live birth rate, time to pregnancy, and automation can be improved. New technologies have the potential to assist more patients in becoming parents of healthy children in a shorter period of time.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ricardo Correia, Brett Gadsby, Sergiy Korposh, Andrew M. Norris, Barrie r. Hayes-gill, Rishie Sinha, Jonathan G. Hardman, David S. Gardner, Simon Talbot, Daniel Harvey, Julian Mcglashan, Stephen P. Morgan
Summary: This study describes the development of a smart endotracheal tube (ETT) that can measure contact pressure and blood perfusion at the cuff-trachea interface. Testing on a porcine model during mechanical ventilation shows that the device can accurately obtain relevant data, and blood occlusion caused by over-inflation of the cuff can be observed.
BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
David S. Gardner, Clint Gray
Summary: Development from early conceptus to a complex, multi-cellular organism is a highly ordered process that is dependent on an adequate supply of nutrients. Variation in environmental stimuli, such as drug or hormone exposure and nutrient delivery pattern, can significantly impact fetal and neonatal growth patterns and later health outcomes.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
R. Alborough, P. A. Graham, D. S. Gardner
Summary: This study assessed the habitual iodine intake in domestic cats by conducting a dietary survey and analyzing commercial cat feeds. The findings suggest that domestic cats are likely to experience chronically low or fluctuating dietary iodine intake, which is supported by wide variation in urine iodine content.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Jennie N. Jeyapalan, Victoria. James, David S. Gardner, Jennifer H. Lothion-Roy, Nigel P. Mongan, Catrin Sian Rutland
Summary: Research is an essential part of veterinary medicine degrees, and remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the performance and experience of students. This study analyzed the outcomes and feedback of students who completed independent research projects, showing that the pandemic cohorts achieved higher grades with increased access to resources while facing challenges in workload management and conceptual exploration.
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Emma G. Whatley, Thi T. Truong, Alexandra J. Harvey, David K. Gardner
Summary: Research question: Does the ketone acetoacetate (AcAc) alone, or combined with 13-hydroxybutyrate (13OHB), impact mouse embryo development, metabolism, histone acetylation and viability? The study found that exposure to high levels of ketone acetoacetate and 13-hydroxybutyrate affects metabolism and histone acetylation in embryos, and leads to abnormal fetal development.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
David K. Gardner, Denny Sakkas
Summary: Our ability to maintain viable human embryos in vitro has greatly improved in the past 40 years, leading to higher implantation rates. The future development of embryo culture systems will benefit from new media formulations and more dynamic perfusion-based systems. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and biomarkers can predict embryo health and viability, improving the effectiveness and cost efficiency of assisted reproductive technology.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanna J. McLennan, Adam J. Blanch, Samuel J. Wallace, Lesley J. Ritter, Shauna L. Heinrich, David K. Gardner, Kylie R. Dunning, Marty J. Gauvin, Allison K. Love, Jeremy G. Thompson
Summary: This study introduces a microfluidic chip that is designed and completely 3D-printed using two-photon polymerization (2PP). It consists of ten channels and ten retrievable cell sample seats, which can enhance cell-surface interactions at the nanoscale and support cell culture. This technology provides the precision needed for nanoliter fluidic devices constructed from multiple interlocking parts.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lesia O. O. Kurlak, Paula J. J. Scaife, Louise V. V. Briggs, Fiona Broughton Pipkin, David S. S. Gardner, Hiten D. D. Mistry
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the concentrations of trace elements and angiogenic markers in women with pre-eclampsia and their fetuses. The results showed that pregnant women with pre-eclampsia had lower levels of selenium, zinc, and manganese, and higher levels of copper. Additionally, maternal plasma zinc concentration was positively correlated with plasma sFlt-1 concentration, suggesting an imbalance in antioxidant status.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Emma G. Whatley, Thi T. Truong, Alexandra J. Harvey, David K. Gardner
Summary: In vitro exposure to ketone bodies fi-hydroxybutyrate (fiOHB) and acetoacetate (AcAc) has a sexually dimorphic impact on gene expression in the fetal liver and placenta of preimplantation mouse embryos.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jennifer C. Hutchison, Jemma Evans, Tracey A. Edgell, Guiying Nie, David K. Gardner, Lois A. Salamonsen
Summary: The study found that obese infertile women have elevated levels of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) in their uterine environment. The detrimental effects of AGE on endometrial epithelial cells can be reduced with therapeutics and replicated in a more physiologically relevant primary model (organoids).
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
H. Elzeiny, F. Agtesta, F. Cattrall, J. Stevens, D. K. Gardner
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)